New report finds most Murray residents cannot get health care when needed due to lack of services

Just one-third of residents in the shire of Murray can access medical care when needed, a new survey has found.

The region’s first Health and Social Needs Analysis found increased medical appointment availability, lower out-of-pocket expenses, and services closer to home were the community’s top priorities.

Worryingly, the report found just 35.3 per cent of survey respondents said they could always get access to health care when needed.

Pinjarra mother-of-three Morgan Robertson said it could be a four to five-week wait to see her local doctor.

“We’ve had times where we would have gone to the local doctors if they had availability,” she said.

“Instead we have had to go to and sit in the ER for hours, which we want to avoid because they are busy enough.

“In the past, we have been fine to get in but these days it’s just impossible and they just pass you on to emergency or we have to wait, which in most cases we can’t.”

Another local parent, Bonita Pilkington, said she drove 35 minutes to Rockingham to avoid waiting for weeks.

The 62-page health report was the culmination of significant research providing the shire of Murray with independent, robust data about current and future needs for health services in the area.

It found 37 per cent of Murray residents had a long-term health condition, 51.8 per cent lived with obesity, 28 per cent had high blood pressure, and 14.8 per cent had high or very high psychological distress.

“The Health and Social Needs Analysis explores population growth, lifestyle risk factors, health care demand, and community demographics to make seven recommendations that will address a health and wellness gap in Murray,” shire president David Bolt said.

“Adding to the burden of disease is a higher prevalence of several lifestyle risk factors, including 40.2 per cent of adults consuming more than two standard drinks on any day, 29 per cent eating fast food weekly, and 45.1 per cent undertaking insufficient physical activity.”

Mr Bolt said the report identified the region’s rapidly growing, and ageing population, needed better-integrated health services and improved access.

“In many cases, people living in Murray have to travel outside of the district to receive critical services such as emergency care, chemotherapy, renal dialysis, orthopaedics, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, to name a few,” he said.

“There is an increased need for urgent medical and GP care, preventative health programs, mental health services, older people’s services, family and children support, youth services and support.

“Our task now is to take the findings of the report and develop a business case that details the required strategies and infrastructure to address the issue.

“We are currently seeking a suitable supplier to complete this work and, once complete, we will present it to the Government for consideration.”

The Murray Region Health and Social Needs Analysis was undertaken by the Murray Health Futures Committee established by the shire.

It includes representatives from the shire, WA Primary Health Alliance, and Peel Development Commission.

In August, the shire identified the development of a $50m health hub as one of its 10 funding priorities.

The hub would provide a range of services, including allied health and pathology, to improve health access for residents and ease pressure on Peel Health Campus.

Ms Robertson said a health hub would be incredible for the community.

“That sort of facility in Pinjarra would be incredible,” she said.

“I know families that travel to get into the doctors, and they shouldn’t have to do that.”

The State Government was contacted in relation to the report.