Key findings from ‘Conversations on the Couch’ in Berrigan, Deniliquin, and Jerilderie
Residents chatting with MPHN staff at the Jerilderie Conversations on the Couch.
Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) recently visited Berrigan, Deniliquin, and Jerilderie as part of the ‘Conversations on the Couch’ program highlighting the resilience of these communities in addressing common health challenges.
During informal coffee and chat sessions earlier this year, participating residents shared their personal experiences with health and healthcare in their area.
MPHN’s Chief Data Officer Dr Jason Bennie said difficulties accessing GPs and specialist services were a recurring theme.
‘We also heard about the need for improved mental health support, financial constraints on accessing healthcare, and transportation challenges,’ Dr Bennie said.
‘Despite these issues, it was encouraging to hear attendees speak highly of their relationships with local GPs, and their appreciation for after-hours GP services and local rehabilitation programs.’
In Berrigan, residents raised concerns about appointment availability and the need for additional GPs, while praising the care provided by the local aged care facility’s GP.
In Deniliquin, there were calls for more GPs, better continuity of care, and improvements to hospital facilities and specialist services. Locals noted the high standard of diabetic education, telehealth services, and the overall quality of hospital care and social support services.
Attendees in Jerilderie commended their GP and the integration of allied health services within the GP practice. However, specialist care was an issue, often requiring travel to larger towns, and mental health support was limited. Despite transportation challenges and long ambulance wait times, residents valued the local hospital’s palliative care and the availability of a community bus to Albury.
Another common issue across these communities was the cross-border challenges residents face along the NSW/VIC border. Although these towns are not directly on the border, many of the services they rely on are located in Victoria.
Across all three towns, cost of living and financial constraints affected people’s access to healthcare, with participants reporting difficulties affording medications and essential health services. Despite this, there was positive feedback on the quality of telehealth services and the efforts of local pharmacies.
Dr Bennie said insights gathered highlight both the challenges and strengths within these communities.
‘We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations,’ Dr Bennie said.
‘Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing our understanding of emerging health needs in your community.’
MPHN will use feedback gathered from Conversations on the Couch to help inform its Health Needs Assessment of the Murrumbidgee region which guides decisions around health service improvement and access. Murrumbidgee residents are encouraged to continue sharing their thoughts on health by participating in the quick, anonymous Health Needs Assessment survey at mphn.org.au/hna or by contacting MPHN on (02) 6923 3100.