GP for Barraba petition delivered to MP

“GP for Barraba” Petition; Kevin Anderson comes to Barraba

Our local state MP, Kevin Anderson, met with local residents in O’Meara Park last Thursday 28 September. A crowd of more than eighty locals gathered to present Mr Anderson with a petition urging him to use his position to ensure that a doctor is recruited urgently for the Barraba Hospital and Medical Centre.  Lynda Boyland, who started the petition now containing over 1000 signatures, handed the document over.  Mr Anderson invited the gathering to put their views about what should happen from here. A lively discussion occurred, with many good ideas canvassed; a recurring theme was - could Dr Hein (a very popular recent GP) be enticed to return?

Mr Anderson said that he was working with Federal Member Barnaby Joyce’s office (support for GPs is a Commonwealth matter) and with NSW Health (who are responsible for Hospitals) to fill the positions as soon as possible. He warned though, that the old GP model (one doctor filling both roles at the medical centre and hospital), is unsustainable. In today’s demanding climate, that doctor invariably “burns out” – that helps no one. A better solution must be found.

Thanks to Lynda Boyland, Julie Fenwick, Gene Robinson, Betty Nelson and others who organised the petition and meeting.