A worker inside Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has responded to Member for Murray Helen Dalton’s calls to split the district in two.

Ms Dalton raised the issue in NSW parliament recently, proposing a new Western health district for the townships of Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal.

“I understand what Helen and the community want,” the worker said.

“It’s hard for people to travel long distances for specialist treatment, so I understand.

“The problem with the proposal to split off into a new district would mean that the funding would also be split, so potentially somewhere like Hay would have less money allocated for health.

“This new Western region would have a much smaller population, so it would be even more difficult to attract staff.”

The insider said the main issue within MLHD was the recruitment and retention of staff, something Ms Dalton has also addressed in past lobbying efforts.

“NSW pays allied health staff, nurses and medical professional much less than most other states,” the worker said.

“That makes attracting healthcare staff and doctors to the state difficult, and it’s even harder to get them to come out to the bush.

“Country areas – like Hay – have issues with accommodation and employment for partners, and education options for their kids.

"Unfortunately, we sometimes can’t compete with the urban or coastal lifestyle.”

There is also fear that creating two smaller regions instead of the current MLHD footprint would increase management costs.

“There would be two executive teams instead of one. Two sets of management teams instead of one. It’s just not viable.”

The worker also firmly believes the current MLHD executive have their priorities squarely with local communities, but are hampered by state government budgets.

“They can only work inside the funding they are allocated. They can’t just offer more money to attract more staff, if the budget isn’t there.”

While Ms Dalton said that MLHD is “failing” smaller communities, our source said the issue lies with the NSW Government.

“MLHD is just one cog in the NSW wheel and can only spend what is in each year’s budget allocation.

“I have read comments on social media but I think it’s unfair to criticise individuals within MLHD. From what I have seen, they have our communities at the heart of their efforts.

“There are regular forums for staff to speak directly to the Executive team, and they travel across the district talking to staff and community.

“LHACs (Local Health Advisory Committees) were set up so community could directly communicate each towns needs, but most of those can’t even get members.

“That’s how disinterested people are, until there is a story in the news. If you want to make a difference, get involved.”

Last Thursday Ms Dalton joined Member for Barwon Roy Butler by giving notice of motions in the NSW parliament, calling for splits to both the Murrumbidgee and Hunter New England Health districts.

The full text of the bills is being prepared and will then be debated in parliament.