Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales
Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales Report
- Author(s): New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No 2 - Health,
- Published: 2022
- Volume: Report no. 57
Abstract: The delivery of health services in New South Wales is a joint responsibility between the Australian and New South Wales governments. In simple terms, the Australian Government is responsible for the provision of GP services, and the State Government is responsible for the public hospital system. Eleven years ago, as a result of the Garling Inquiry, the State Government established 15 Local Health Districts to deliver health care that was to be tailor made for the communities that they served. While recognising that the provision of health services to an area as large as rural, regional and remote New South Wales is challenging and complex, throughout this inquiry the committee heard repeatedly about individuals and families let down by the health system. We heard stories of emergency departments with no doctors; of patients being looked after by cooks and cleaners; of excessive wait times for treatment; and of misdiagnoses and medical errors. This evidence is by no means a reflection on the NSW Health staff working tirelessly in challenging circumstances; rather it is an indictment of the system that has allowed this situation to develop. Overall, the committee has found that residents of rural, regional and remote New South Wales have poorer health outcomes and inferior access to health and hospital services, and face significant financial challenges in accessing these services, compared to their metropolitan counterparts. This is a situation that can and should not be seen as acceptable.
Cite this document
Suggested Citation
New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No 2 - Health,,
2022,
Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales,
Volume:Report no. 57, Report,
viewed 15 March 2025,
https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=42528.