NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton informed parliament of her pending motions on Friday, February 14.
This approach to health care was one of her platforms during the last election.
“Today, I informed parliament that I will move a motion that will split up the MLHD into two separate districts, and creating a new district called the Western Riverina Health district,” Mrs Dalton said on Friday.
“The new Western Riverina Health District will cover Leeton to Balranald, including Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Finley, Leeton, Griffith, Hay, Hillston, Lake Cargelligo, Balranald, Barham, Moulamein and Tocumwal.
“For too long, people in the Western Riverina region have been treated as second class citizens by the bosses at the MLHD.
“The MLHD has consistently downgraded the status of our hospitals through poor recruitment practices and a lack of services.
“This deliberate decline in services must stop, right now.
“We need a closer focus on the health needs of the people of the Western Riverina, and by splitting up the MLHD we can achieve this.”
Ms Dalton said planning practices in the MLHD were too centralised, and ignored local knowledge and expertise.
“Griffith Base Hospital was promised two orthopaedic surgeons in 2021 by MLHD, and we have received none.
“Forcing residents to drive to Wagga Wagga for orthopaedic care is unacceptable.
“We need to split up the MLHD to ensure we finally have the locally focused health care that we deserve.
“A local health focus will save local lives. It’s that simple.”
Mrs Dalton said she would be speaking with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park urgently about the matter.
