There’s lots to look forward to in rural NSW if the Government delivers on the recommendations provided from the regional health inquiry, and according to their response, they intend to. 

The Government's response to the Inquiry was issued yesterday, September 1, and revealed that they support or support in principle 41 of the 44 recommendations. 

One of the recommendations that will be wholly supported is acknowledging the significant cultural barriers that telehealth poses for First Nations communities, and working to ensure face-to-face consultations are prioritised. 

The response also shows a commitment for Local Health Districts, NSW Health and Transport for NSW to collaborate to ensure more frequently and appropriately timed affordable transport services. 

The services are to support people attending medical appointments, which the inquiry revealed to be a significant detriment of access to health in rural and remote areas.

Here's what we aren't likely to get...

Of the 44 recommendations, however, three were closer to being given the flick, or as stated in the response ‘noted’. Those were recommendations 25, 41 and 44.

Recommendation 25 suggested NSW undertakes an inquiry into mental health, particularly in rural, regional and remote NSW.

The government has responded that any review would risk ‘duplicating’ existing inquiries, including a review of the mental health system undertaken in 2013, and a 2020 review from the Mental Health Commission that identified strategies that would have a positive impact on rural and remote communities. 

Taking resources from the health system delivering current programs and strategies was also a listed concern. 

Recommendation 41 sought to establish an independent office of the Health Administration Ombudsman to receive and review concerns about the administrative conduct of management of Local Health Districts from staff, doctors, patients, carers, and the public. 

The proposed Ombudsman would be responsible for investigating alleged coverups of medical errors or deaths, false or misleading data, and staff bullying or harassment of whistleblowers. 

According to the NSW Government, the NSW Ombudsman reported that these matters fall within their jurisdiction. They cited that the report didn’t find these agencies to be inadequate. 

Recommendation 44, the last of the report, suggested a ‘Health in All Policies’ framework that the NSW Government should adopt, similar to what South Australia already has in place. 

The framework would ensure that physical and mental health is a top priority when making government decisions, recognising it as a responsibility to all Ministers and Departments of government. 

The NSW Government has plans to consult with the SA Government to review the benefits and costs of adopting such a framework, but hasn’t stated any intentions of implementing one. 

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said that the government is ready to take meaningful action to provide safe and high quality health care services in the bush. 

“It is my absolute priority to ensure that, no matter where you live in our state, you have access to the health services that you need and deserve,” Mrs Taylor said.  

The response from the government coincides with the unveiling of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel, which will advise agencies of regional health.