Endoscopy services return to Corowa Hospital in June with talks underway for further opportunities.
Endoscopy services are expected to reopen at Corowa Hospital next month after being halted in May last year to allow for maintenance in the theatre suite.
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Replacement endoscopy equipment has been purchased, and some maintenance work has been completed allowing the service to resume.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District did not respond to requests for comment by deadline this week but told Albury MP, Justin Clancy that further opportunities at Corowa Hospital were being discussed.
Further maintenance work is still needed but it is understood that MLHD is reviewing a proposed enhanced medical model with local GPs and medical officers and engaging with clinicians in Corowa to discuss opportunities at the hospital.
Mr Clancy said the operating theatre’s closure last year and the delay in reopening as an endoscopy suite was frustrating and concerning to both our community and to himself.
In January this year he sought a meeting between Corowa LHAC and Murrumbidgee LHD and said he had continued to raise Corowa Hospital with Murrumbidgee LHD since that time.
Albury MP Justin Clancy has raised concerns about Corowa Hospital with the NSW Health Minister.
“I raised these concerns directly with the Health Minister, in June last year and again in January this year.
“At the end of April, I urged Murrumbidgee LHD to meet further with Corowa LHAC.
“I understand they met last week, and I welcome any information that may be provided to our community as to outcomes from that meeting.”
Endoscopy is a diagnostic procedure which allows doctors to view the body internally to diagnose cancers and other diseases.
Delays to opening of the endoscopy suite have been impacted by issues with the supply of equipment from overseas.
Mr Clancy said he would continue to apply pressure for service planning for Corowa Hospital to be completed.
“There are innovative models for rural health, such as the PRIM-HS model, that I believe we should be exploring for our rural communities,” he said.
“I welcome the opportunity to explore these with the LHAC and Health District.”
What is PRIM-HS?
Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services is a different model of rural health care, which could be run as a community-owned, not-for-profit organisation.
It is an evidence-based policy that aims to overcome professional, financial and social barriers to working rurally.
PRIM-HS aims to improve access to affordable, high-quality, culturally safe care, when and where it is needed.
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