Tim McCurdy welcomed the joint efforts by the councils.
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Momentum around delivering a dialysis facility in Cobram is growing, according to state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy.
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Following years of advocacy by Kidney Support Group Cobram and District, led by founder Dianne Raco and Sue Duscio, Mr McCurdy welcomed collaboration by the Moira and Berrigan shire councils to raise the issue further.
“Regional Victorians deserve the same access to life-saving treatment as those in Melbourne,” Mr McCurdy said.
“For too long, Cobram residents have had to endure hours of travel to access dialysis in Shepparton, Albury or Wagga. That’s simply unacceptable.”
In February, Mr McCurdy met with NCN Health leadership to discuss local health priorities, including the urgent need for a dialysis unit in Cobram.
He said the joint council discussion paper was an encouraging sign that momentum was growing.
“I commend Berrigan and Moira councils for working together across state borders to drive this discussion. Health issues don’t stop at the Murray, and neither should our advocacy,” Mr McCurdy said.
NCN Health has been touted as a potential location for a dialysis unit.
“The community is crying out for a six-chair facility at Cobram Hospital. I’ll continue to stand alongside our residents and grassroots organisations to ensure this project gets the funding and attention it deserves.”
In a statement, a Victorian Department of Health spokesperson said living regionally should not be a barrier to accessing healthcare.
“We continue to work with NCN Health so they can continue to deliver the high level of care their community expects,” the spokesperson said.
“Decisions on funding for new services always take into consideration a range of factors including population, community needs, clinical capability and capacity, proximity to other services and overall demand for services.
“We’ll continue to engage with the Cobram community and welcome their input into how we can best meet their healthcare needs into the future.”
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