Over the past few weeks, Deni LHAC members have met with Murrumbidgee Local Health District executives twice, and project partners, to discuss the initiatives.
This preceded the April 22 meeting, during which Deni LHAC finalised its 2025 project planning and received its usual health service updates from facility manager Ginny Lange.
Deni LHAC chair Lynda Barclay said there are some positives things ahead.
“Firstly, we met with Lucinda Hyde (cancer services and innovations manager), Katherine Hay (relieving clinical nurse specialist) and Tegan Reid (general manager rural operations) to receive an update on the recommencement of oncology services in Deniliquin,” Mrs Barclay said.
“The planning for this service is now in the final stages.
“It will be of huge benefit to local patients who can access this service without the requirement to travel long distances at a time of great stress.
“In addition, LHAC met with MLHD chief executive Jill Ludford, Tegan Read, and MLHD executive director Aboriginal health and wellbeing Tony Martin, together with Edward River Council CEO Jack Bond, Mayor Ashley Hall, and Deputy Mayor Kellie Crossley.
“The focus of this discussion was for all groups to work together in a transparent and constructive way, in order to provide great health services for our community.
“It is essential to cultivate these relationships so that all parties are sharing accurate and timely information, and any queries can be addressed to the appropriate source.
“This helps to dispel any misinformation that can at times be spread in the community.
“It is very positive that our council is making every effort to become informed on all things health.”
The meetings also gave MLHD executive a chance to tour Deniliquin Hospital, and meet with staff.
Throughout 2025, LHAC will continue with its ‘Lifting Health Outcomes’ project.
Banners with information on several health conditions will continue to be circulated around the community.
These are currently displayed at the hospital and community health centre, Ochre Medical Centre, both pharmacies, the Aboriginal Lands Council, Shiloh Medical, the Deniliquin RSL Club, and Activ8 Exercise Physiology.
Each banner has a QR code that will take you to a website with further information on that topic.
Information on these topics will also be disseminated in other forms, including some public talks.
In addition to this, LHAC will continue to increase awareness around what health services are available locally.
“Often people don’t know what is available until they actually need a service – and then they are not sure how to find that information,” Mrs Barclay said.
“We hope that by promoting what is available, it makes the journey easier for people.”
