The Northern Rivers Times
2
July 7, 2022
NEWS
Rural doctor dilemma LARA LEAHY Many rural areas struggle to keep up with medical services, and currently, Casino is facing a doctor dilemma. If you are new to the area, and you need the services of a doctor, your options are few. After calling seven practices in the heart of Casino, only three could entertain some kind of assistance for new patients. One can see you if you
currently have a family member attending the practice. A second will help if you provide proof of indigenous heritage. The third has a doctor seeing new patients, however there is a two week wait, due to the amount of people queuing up. New patients are simply being told to “try the hospital”. The practice explained, “We do have daily appointments that we
keep aside for urgent cases, but you are unable to access these until you have had your first appointment where we can document your history. And we do not provide bulk billing. This shortage is a difficulty for the area. We are always trying to advertise for more doctors, but they are hard to find.” There is an organisation to match GPs with rural medical roles, the NSW Rural Doctors Network
Rural Doctors Network (RDN) acknowledges the stress on the ground in rural health is real. “NSW Rural Doctors Network provides tailored recruitment support to remote, rural and regional practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in NSW. RDN is aware of the vacancies in Casino, and we are currently advertising the roles online and through our
(RDN). The RDN is a notfor-profit organisation that works with the Australia’s Department of Health and the NSW Ministry of Health to recruit and support rural medical roles. The Regional Manager from the RDN, Annette Lenstra said, “The issues of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic over recent years have led to significant demands of rural primary care providers. NSW
networks.” The RDN provides many support initiatives and incentives to attract potential GP’s to rural locations. These include things like role matching, access to grants, and training programs for new GPs, even programs to reduce the time frames for doctors training. The More Doctors for Rural Australia Program “enables doctors who are non-vocationally registered to work in rural regions.”
Woodburn’s alternative to a pod village LARA LEAHY From Monday 20th June, Woodburn residents were given the option of registering to receive a caravan for 6 months at no cost. A NSW Government spokesperson said that this initiative was offered, “As a result of extensive community feedback, caravans are being provided to Woodburn residents in place of a temporary housing site.” The roll out started slowly but has since quickly picked up pace. Judy said that her mother was one of the first to apply - that was on the following Thursday. Judy’s mum received her caravan on Sunday. The transition was quick, and the caravan was delivered in a timely manner. She said: “Three days… the only thing that has been smooth sailing!”
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After the initial three caravans rolled out, demand increased. “21 caravans have been delivered in the past week,” a spokesperson from the NSW Government said last week. “These caravans allow
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people to remain on their properties while they repair and rebuild.” Judy’s mum is a perfect example of how much this has helped those in the community that needed it. Even though her family was able to
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provide couches for her, she said, “There is nothing worse than feeling homeless …” She was elated at the opportunity to be back “home” - to have a base once more. She said she, “was so excited to be in the
caravan and to be able to look out and see my house.” There is a process to obtain a caravan - your site needs to be assessed for suitability and safety. Then a 6-month lease is signed. However, that
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is subject to extension if the need arises. The caravans are being supplied by Camplify as necessary. This initiative is a pilot program, but it has quickly evolved to something more. Neighbouring communities have been looking on with interest as a favourable solution by many in the area. Especially considering the wait on alternative housing pods and temporary village set up time frames. Richmond Valley Council have publicly announced that caravans are potentially available to other areas. They stated that if you live in Broadwater, Coraki or regional surrounds, register your interest by visiting the Resilience NSW staff at the recovery hub at McGearys Bros, 9630 Pacific Highway, Woodburn.
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