MPHN hears about health concerns in Finley, Tocumwal and surrounding communities

Seven Finley and thirteen Tocumwal locals took the opportunity to share their health experiences and concerns at Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Conversations on the Couch sessions on 25 and 26 August 2022.

MPHN’s Planning and Reporting Manager Toni Preuss said those who attended provided a variety of thoughtful insights into the current health needs of the community.

“Some of the key concerns raised from Finley locals included a lack of awareness of available mental health services, concerns around housing affordability and pressure on local GPs,” Ms Preuss said. 

“We also heard many people express their appreciation for the local GPs and visiting allied health services such as podiatry.”

Tocumwal locals shared concerns about the lack of local ambulance services, the shortage of mental health services and limitations arising from minimal public transport.

“I’d like to thank all community members who provided feedback during the event. The information provided is invaluable to guiding MPHN’s understanding of community concerns and experiences and the development of the region’s Health Needs Assessment.”

Conversations on the Couch is an MPHN initiative to capture health needs and concerns of local communities across the Murrumbidgee region as part of its Health Needs Assessment.

MPHN Acting CEO Julie Redway said the organisation is constantly updating its Health Needs Assessment to understand emerging community needs and identify opportunities for improving health outcomes.

“One of the most important ways in which we measure if we have the right services in the right places at the right time is by asking people of the Murrumbidgee to give us feedback about what they need,” Ms Redway said.

“In addition to Conversations on the Couch, we are also providing community members in the Murrumbidgee Council area an opportunity to complete an online survey and I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to participate.”

To provide feedback via a survey visit www.mphn.org.au/hna and scroll down to the blue survey buttons.