Federal MP explores healthcare services in Yea

FEDERAL MP Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Member for Higgins, visited Yea and District Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, February 26.

She explained in an interview that she visited in her capacity as a member of the Parliamentary Health Committee, a committee which is interested in all aspects of health and wellbeing, and the services that provide that care.

She said, “I’m doing an exploratory visit through the regions.

I’ve been to quite a few, places now, ranging from Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Mansfield and now Yea, to talk to people about their needs.

She added, “I am part of an inquiry which is looking into alcohol and drug use, which is a taboo within a taboo, if you like, within mental health, and it’s important that we have regional voices contributing to this inquiry, and I would strongly encourage people to make a submission on the Parliament website.

She said that she was very impressed with Yea hospital and Rosebank Hostel.

On a smaller scale, it’s an example of integrated care and what can be possible for integrated care, and what that means for local small regional communities, because not only does it provide acute clinical care, in the sense of emergency medicine, but also aged care services, and it’s also a sanctuary site, so in times of distress, whether it be natural disasters or emergencies, it’s evident that people gravitate to the Yea hospital, which suggests that these places are actually very highly regarded, that they’ve got a trust built up overtime with the community.

They are community hubs effectively. I think that’s something that is unique to regional communities.”

She added, “One thing I was very impressed with was this the sale yards program.

This is an example of community outreach, where they’re trying to reach into a cohort of people, farmers specifically, who have been historically resistant to presenting for care, and when they do present, they tend to present late.

This is a great example…

Image: Dr Ananda-Rajah MP with Ian Marshman, Elizabeth Sinclair and Luke James.