Henty first responders get thumbs up from locals

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) would like to thank Henty residents who spoke up about health needs in their community at the recent ‘Conversations on the Couch’ event.

MPHN travelled to Henty in late April and interviewed 22 locals who shared their views.

MPHN Manager Planning and Reporting Toni Preuss said residents were positive about health outcomes in their community, however did raise a number of concerns.

“Residents spoke to us about local housing issues, which is something we’re hearing across the region,” Ms Preuss said.

“Loneliness was also a theme, with several residents mentioning people in the community being lonely or isolated.

“The residents we spoke to were extremely grateful for the local group of first responders who are providing a service given there is no local ambulance service.”

Access to mental health and allied health services was also raised, with residents giving positive feedback about their ability to access local GP, hospital, and aged care facilities. Attendees advised many people in the community did not know what health services were available locally.

MPHN will use feedback from Henty Conversations on the Couch to update the federal government on health needs in the Murrumbidgee in its Health Needs Assessment refresh at the end of the year.

“We really appreciate everyone who took the time to speak with us,” Ms Preuss said.

“Your feedback will help us better understand emerging health needs of the Henty community.”

Residents can still share their thoughts on health in Henty by completing the quick, confidential Health Needs Assessment survey at mphn.org.au/hna or by calling MPHN on (02) 6923 3100 or getting in touch with the Henty Local Health Advisory Committee.

Photos from our Henty Conversations on the Couch in April 2023.