Have Your Say

Health visit productive: McCormack

7 March 2013

FEDERAL Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has said yesterday’s visit by Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health Services, Dr Andrew Laming, and New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health, Melinda Pavey, was very productive for the region. 

“Health is a critical issue in the Riverina, and it is something which remains a high priority for the Coalition at both the state and federal levels,” Mr McCormack said.

Dr Laming and Mrs Pavey were in the Riverina for the opening of the MPS at Gundagai, as well as the dedication of a second linear accelerator at the Riverina Cancer Care Centre.

“Frequent visits to the Riverina by Dr Laming and Mrs Pavey are a great way to ensure health services remain at the forefront of the Coalition’s mind,” Mr McCormack said. 

“It was a great opportunity to speak with local General Practitioners and specialists about the Riverina’s health service needs and regional health more broadly.”

“It is also critical we address the palliative care shortfalls in the region as well as better mental health services,” Mr McCormack said.

Dr Laming and Mr McCormack outlined the Coalition’s plan to attract more General Practitioners to country areas.

“We are reviewing incentive schemes to encourage doctors to consider a career in rural and regional areas.”

Dr Laming and Mr McCormack said they will remain focused on speaking with local General Practitioners to improve local health services and finding ways to encourage more doctors to move to country areas.

“Dr Laming practised as a doctor in Gundagai prior to entering Parliament, and he understands how critical it is to attract and retain more doctors in places such as the Riverina. He also has an in-depth knowledge of the challenges of rural medicine and health services,” Mr McCormack said.

“The meetings and discussions yesterday were very productive and I thank Dr Laming and Mrs Pavey for their continued interest in the Riverina’s health services.”

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