Category Archives: Health

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced her support for the Lions Eye Health Program, and is encouraging primary schools across the Cootamundra electorate to take part in this vital initiative.

The program is dedicated towards providing free eye screenings for students, which Ms Cooke said, is something she has a special interest in.

“Early detection of vision problems is something that’s very close to my heart,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’ve worn glasses since I was three years-of-age, after my mother picked up on some subtle signs that I was having vision difficulties. She was teaching at the time, and so was able to compare some of my behaviours, with that of students in the classroom who were having similar problems.

“She then took me off to the optometrist who confirmed her suspicions, and I am forever grateful for this early intervention, without which – I have no doubt – my life would have gone down a very different path,” she said.

Ms Cooke said vision problems can affect learning and overall wellbeing, and can significantly impact a child’s ability to participate in school activities.

“When you consider that close to one-in-five children have an undetected vision problem, programs like this are just so vitally important in detecting and addressing eye health concerns early, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Ms Cooke said.

Club Secretary with the Lions Club of Young Stuart Freudenstein, said screenings have recently been carried out at Trinity Catholic School in Murrumburrah, with Boorowa Central School the next on the growing list of schools putting their hand up for the screenings.

“We visit the schools ahead of time and work with them to find a suitable spot for the screenings, which involve tests around shape and colour recognition, a special 3D test, as well as a special camera that helps assess eye health,” Mr Freudenstein said.

“Based on the test results, we are then able to provide advice to the school and to parents, on whether students should visit an optometrist for further assessment,” he said.

Ms Cooke said she is proud to offer her support to the program, and is incredibly grateful to the dedicated volunteers from the Lions Club of Young who are making it possible.

“My goal is to have this program rolled-out in every primary school across our Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.

“By participating in the Lions Eye Health Program, schools can ensure that every student has access to essential vision screenings, and I urge all schools right across the electorate to take advantage of this invaluable program,” she said.

Schools interested in participating in the Lions Eye Health Program can contact Lions Club of Young Club Secretary Stuart Freudenstein for more information: lionsclubofyounginc@gmail.com

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the early parenting support provided by Tresillian in Cowra has been an invaluable resource for the town and its surrounds.

During a visit to mark one year since the new centre opened its doors, Ms Cooke congratulated the team for the care and guidance they provide to the community.

“It’s just over 12 months since I officially opened the new Tresillian Family Centre here in Cowra. The service has been a game-changer for young families who have been able to utilise the Tresillian support services without having to travel long distances out of town,” Ms Cooke said.

“Rochelle Longhurst and the team do a remarkable job; the one-on-one consultations that they provide are such an important asset for families in the region.

“Of course when we opened the Family Centre back in February last year, the plan was to complement the Tresillian day services with two overnight beds in the new Cowra Hospital redevelopment. These beds would be the first Tresillian beds on this side of the Great Dividing Range.

“As we know, these plans were abruptly shelved late last year, however I am continuing to hold discussions with the Regional Health Minister about overturning this decision.

“The Minister is a big supporter of Tresillian, and understands how important their services are in our rural and regional communities, and I sincerely thank him for keeping the lines of communication open, and for his willingness to hold further discussions around the future of the in-patient Tresillian beds in the new Cowra Hospital.

“There are a lot of complexities involved in decisions like this, and I look forward to continuing to engage in productive and pragmatic conversations with all stakeholders; after all, at the end of the day, we are all striving to achieve the best outcome for the families that make up our wonderful communities of the Central West,” she said.

Cowra Tresillian Nurse Unit Manager Rochelle Longhurst said a lot of families expressed “sadness” when they heard the news that Tresillian in-patient beds were being excluded from the rebuild.

“The thought of those in-patient services not being available was very disheartening; we’d really like people to get behind Tresillian, and support re-instating the beds in the new Cowra Hospital. It would be very beneficial for people to speak out, and let it be known that we need those beds and the services they will provide,” Mrs Longhurst said.

“It’s my fear that without them, there will be families that won’t access our services because of the costs involved in travelling far from home, not to mention the fact that new mothers who may be struggling, are often in a vulnerable state, and so need to be close to home where their family support network are,” she said.

Following her visit with the Tresillian team, Ms Cooke then attended a sod-turning, marking the beginning of main works construction at the new $110.2 million Cowra Hospital redevelopment site.

“Today marks another significant step forward for this community, who for many years, have fought to secure what will be a state-of-the-art facility providing enhanced healthcare services for residents in Cowra, and surrounding towns and villages,” Ms Cooke said.

“It will truly transform healthcare for Cowra and its surrounds, and I want to take this opportunity to once again pay tribute to all those who helped bring our collective vision to life.

“This project all began with a petition I launched over five years ago, and has grown to become one of the biggest ever infrastructure projects in the town’s history.

“I’m proud to say I have been there every step of the way on this journey with the community; it is a true testament of just how effective people power can be,” she said.

Photo: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke (right) with (from left) Executive Director at Health Infrastructure NSW Amanda Bock; Stephen Lawrence MLC; Western NSW Local Health District CEO Mark Spittal; and Health Services Manager Pauline Rowston, at the sod-turn marking the start of the main works construction of the new Cowra Hospital.

Residents in and around Temora are being encouraged to have their say on the design of the new Temora Hospital, after plans for the $80 million redevelopment were unveiled for the first time ahead of construction, which is expected to start next year in 2025.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the release of the concept design marked an exciting step forward for the project, which has been in the planning phase since she announced the redevelopment on-site in 2021.

“This was one of the former Coalition Government’s flagship regional health investments, and will be among the biggest ever infrastructure projects in Temora’s history,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’m encouraging everyone in the community to review the design, and provide feedback to Health Infrastructure, to ensure it is fit-for-purpose, and meets the specific needs of our community.

“As I discussed with Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman at the recent Cootamundra Summit, the new hospital is an investment that will be a game-changer in the delivery of health services in the region, and will ensure Temora has a hospital that will serve the local community for years to come.

“Not only will the new hospital deliver enhanced health services for residents in and around Temora, but it is my hope that the new state-of-the-art facility will also attract clinicians to work and live here, which would be a big win for the whole community,” she said.

The new Temora Hospital will continue to provide emergency department services, as well as modern inpatient accommodation with beds available for medical, surgical, rehabilitation, palliative care, and maternity patients. Other facilities and services to be delivered include perioperative facilities for surgery and procedures, community and allied health, ambulatory clinics, and pathology. Medical imaging facilities will also be enhanced.

Community consultation sessions will be held:

• Thursday 15 February 2024 | Temora Council | 12:00pm – 2.00pm 
• Friday 16 February 2024 | Outside Ariah Park Coffee Bar | 8.30am- 9.30am
• Friday 16 February 2024 | Temora Council | 11.30am – 12.30pm
• Monday 19 February 2024 | Online session (register via email) | 6.00 – 7.00 pm

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke discussed the Temora Hospital redevelopment with Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman at the recent Cootamundra Summit in Harden.

The following is a statement attributable to the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke:

“I have been informed today by Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District that the promised Tresillian Residential Unit will no longer be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment.

“This involved the inclusion of two new inpatient beds as part of a dedicated Tresillian residential inpatient service, designed to support families in our community.

“To say I am devastated by this outcome is an understatement.

“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Health Minister Ryan Park to ask him to overturn what I firmly believe is quite plainly the wrong decision; one that has been made with no community consultation whatsoever, and no attempt at finding a compromise or alternative solution.

“I have been told that the reason for the decision relates to construction together with ongoing operational costs. However, this fails to take into account the social cost of not going ahead with what would have been an extremely important service for families across the Central West.

“This was something I fought incredibly hard for; having this service would have meant that new and expectant parents in Cowra and across the entire Central West region, would no longer have to travel to Sydney or Canberra for specialised support.

“I have been assured the services provided by the Tresillian Family Care Centre will not be impacted by this decision, and that there will be no interruption to the services they are currently providing to so many families in our community.

“I have received assurances from Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District, that there will be no further changes to the scope of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment project, and that the promised components of the Clinical Services Plan as it currently stands, will be delivered in full, and that the main works will commence in January 2024.

“I have spoken to Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan to inform her of this news, and to assure her that from my perspective, this is not the end of the matter, and as always I will keep the community updated on any new information as it comes to hand.”

Image: Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra with Rob Mills, CEO of Tresillian Early Parenting

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement of a government program aimed at boosting female participation in sport, and is calling on local groups to put their hands up to secure the region’s share of the money that’s been made available.

The Level the Playing Field Program is open to providers of grassroots sports to fund new and upgraded facilities, and deliver fit-for-purpose amenities, like change rooms and lighting.

“Prior to the release of the State Budget I called on the government (Daily Telegraph OpEd 25/8 below) to do more to increase female participation in sport – particularly in rural and regional areas – so I’m pleased to see the government were listening and have recognised the importance of nurturing our local talent, particularly our younger community members,” Ms Cooke said.

“Grassroots infrastructure projects like these were previously supported through the Coalition’s Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF), which the NSW Labor Government has cancelled.

“Under SCCF round four for example, almost $50 million was invested in projects aimed at increasing female participation in sport specifically in rural and regional areas.

“Compare that with Labor’s program, which is worth $30 million and is to be distributed across the entire state, and it’s clear that we must do our utmost to ensure a decent share of the funding on offer, goes to rural and regional areas.

“There are a number of projects in our Cootamundra electorate that would certainly benefit from funding under the Level the Playing Field Program, and my message to those groups is to apply as soon as possible – I’m more than happy to help if you need any help or support.

“By investing in sports at the grassroots level, we are promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social cohesion, all of which leads to building healthier more vibrant communities,” she said.

Applications close at 1pm Thursday 30 November, 2023. For more information about the Level the Playing Field Program, email cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au or phone Steph’s office on (02) 6382 2399.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging everyone across the local area to pause and take a moment to think not just about their own mental health, but to also consider the mental well-being of those around them.

Today is World Mental Health Day, which Ms Cooke said, is the perfect opportunity to ask if we’re doing all we can to look after ourselves, and those close to us.

“We’re certainly heading into a busy time – at school the HSC gets underway this week; it can be a hectic time at work too as the year draws to a close; while for some, the lead-up to Christmas can be a challenging time, especially if you’re on your own,” Ms Cooke said.

“It can be easy to get distracted by our busy lives, and often the first thing to be pushed aside or overlooked, is our mental health.

“So today on World Mental Health Day, let’s all stop and have a think about our mental well-being, and perhaps ask ourselves and others if we’re looking after our mental health.

“These can often be difficult conversations to have, but it’s important we have these discussions and ensure our loved ones, colleagues, and peers seek help when they need it,” she said.

Ms Cooke said Mental Health Day falls within Mental Health Month, which is set aside each year, to promote the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives.

“This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is ‘we all have a role to play’, so my message is simple: if you or someone around you seems to be struggling – even just a little – seek support, before it becomes too overwhelming,” Ms Cooke said.

More information can be found at: www.mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP says while she is relieved to see vital funding commitments for the Cootamundra electorate honoured in today’s NSW State Budget, there are spending cuts in other areas that are disappointing for residents in the regions.

Ms Cooke said that even though there is no new money allocated to the Cootamundra electorate in the NSW Budget, there are a number of projects that have survived Labor’s chopping block.

“After months and months of intense lobbying, I am very relieved that the NSW Labor Government has come to recognise the importance of maintaining the funding allocated by the previous Coalition Government to the Cowra Hospital, and Temora Hospital redevelopment projects,” Ms Cooke said.

“These projects represent a significant investment in the future prosperity of our regions; they are the culmination of years and years of hard work and planning, and I, along with the community, am breathing a sigh of relief that they will both go ahead as planned,” she said.

Ms Cooke said projects that retained much needed and well-deserved funding include:

•           $110.2 million for the new Cowra Hospital Redevelopment

•           $80 million for the new Temora Hospital Redevelopment

•           $90,000 to complete the Young Hospital CT Scanner project

•           $646,000 to complete the Narrandera Fisheries Upgrade

•           $7 million for Hilltops Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.48 million for Bland Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.9 million for Narrandera Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.57 million for Coolamon Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.49 million for Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.4 million for Temora Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $3.25 million for Cowra Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.75 million for Weddin Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $2.24 million for Junee Shire Council for emergency road repairs

•           $6.89 million for improved social housing

“I have spent recent months advocating strongly for these projects, and I am certainly pleased that the government has listened, and most importantly has realised just how important they all are for the communities they will support,” Ms Cooke said.

“I am however disappointed that the NSW Labor Government has failed to understand just how crucial the project to raise the Wyangala Dam wall is to communities throughout the Central West. It appears they are standing by their decision to scrap what would have been a vital investment in drought preparedness and flood mitigation, however the community can be assured I will continue to do what I can to ensure this project isn’t forgotten.

“I’m also disappointed to see the government reduce funding for the equally important Safe and Secure Water Program. On a day when the Bureau of Meteorology formally declared an El Niño weather event – increasing the chances of a hot and dry summer – we need to invest now more than ever in water security projects, that will guarantee the safe and secure supply of water to towns, villages, farmers, and the environment throughout the regions.

“Alarmingly it appears the State Budget is silent on the funding needed for the demerger of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. This is most concerning, and I will be writing to the Local Government Minister for urgent clarification on this.

“The delay in duplicating the Great Western Highway on the western side of the Blue Mountains is very disappointing, given it’s the main artery connecting our residents and businesses with greater Sydney, and I will continue to seek further clarification from the government regarding their commitment to maintaining transport infrastructure across the nine local government areas in our Cootamundra electorate.

“The gutting of the Stronger Country Communities Fund is a significant blow to regional areas. Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCF) has provided $660 million for more than 2,530 regional projects, so its removal will leave a gaping hole in investment in our regions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the slashing of the Regional Seniors Travel Card, along with the abolition of the Regional Student Travel Card will have a significant impact on the budgets of those who have come to rely on them, particularly in light of the cost-of-living pressures many are facing.

“Families too will be impacted by the NSW Labor Government’s decision to scale back the Active Kids Rebate, the First Lap Voucher, and the Creative Kids Rebate – all programs introduced by the Coalition Government to support families at a time when they need it most,” Ms Cooke said.

“Today’s State Budget was a chance for the NSW Labor Government to show a genuine interest in the future growth and prosperity of our regional communities, and while I am very relieved to say we’ve managed to hold on to funding for a number of vital projects, I am disappointed in the cuts that have been made in other areas.

“However, residents across our Cootamundra electorate can be assured I will continue to make a lot of noise on their behalf, to ensure the voice of rural and regional communities are always heard, and that we get our fair share of funding for projects and programs that make a tangible difference to the every day lives of people in our communities,” she said.

Healthcare workers are taking up incentives to move to regional NSW, or stay in our community, with more than 4,700 workers accessing the program which is future proofing healthcare in rural and regional NSW.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $883 million regional health workforce incentive scheme is making a real difference.

“Thanks to this ground-breaking incentive program, we have seen 110 healthcare workers attracted or retained in the Cootamundra Electorate, which is a huge boost to healthcare in our region,” Ms Cooke said.

“Some of these retained recruits include 8 Registered Nurses in Cootamundra, 4 in Harden, 7 in West Wyalong, 8 in Cowra, 12 in Grenfell and 5 in Coolamon.”

“We have 7 Pathology staff in Cowra, 8 in Cootamundra and 4 in Young.”

“In enrolled Nurses we have 11 in Grenfell, 4 in West Wyalong and 6 in Harden.”

“This package is helping us retain the dedicated, hardworking staff who are already valued members of our community. These people call our region home and we are doing our best to make sure it continues to be their forever home.”

The $883 million incentives investment includes funding for:

• Tailored incentive programs for healthcare staff to take up and retain positions in regional, rural and remote NSW – which can include a tailored incentive package of up to $10,000 plus additional leave, relocation reimbursement, professional development and study assistance.
• Increased training positions for nursing graduates, nurse practitioners and medical interns.
• Expanding rural generalist and procedural training positions.
• Career development and secondment opportunities for healthcare workers based in regional, rural and remote NSW, including for those based in metropolitan areas to ‘try out’ working in regional NSW.
• Increased numbers of Aboriginal nurse cadetships, and
• HECS incentive package for allied health professionals.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for local GP clinics to participate in a state-wide rollout of the Single Employer Model for rural doctors are well underway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said EOIs were being undertaken now via the NSW Division of Regional Health, Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in preparation for the first intake of doctors across the region early next year.

“Despite GPs being the responsibility of the Federal Government, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been actively looking for solutions to the GP workforce shortage in rural and regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“This could see doctors undertaking advanced training at Cowra and Young Hospitals as early as next year, and eventually networked out to health facilities in areas such as Cootamundra, Gundagai, Temora, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Grenfell.”

“The Single-Employer Model originally designed by, built and trialled out in parts of Southern NSW is showing real promise in helping with the GP shortages that are impacting our communities. I’m pleased to see that concrete steps are being taken here in the Cootamundra electorate to establish the program.

“The EOI stage will identify which GP practices wish to participate in hosting and supervising a doctor in their practice, on the days they are not working in the local hospital.

“I know that GP shortages are a concern, so I strongly encourage all GP clinics and practice managers across the Cootamundra electorate to contact their Local Health District or the PHN to express a firm interest in this great program if they have the capacity to participate.”

A formal Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed between NSW and the Commonwealth to formalise the required arrangements and federal exemptions, however, NSW is ready for a state-wide rollout of the program. By beginning the EOI process, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring that regional areas are set and ready to receive new doctors.

The Single-Employer Model is commonly known as the Rural Generalist Training Pathway or the Murrumbidgee model, and was first trialled in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020. Since its inception, it has been lauded as an important step in giving trainee GPs the chance to work in private practices and local hospitals to provide a greater range of care for local patients.

The model allows seamless transition between hospital and General Practice training placements. Trainees are employed on up to a four year contract (depending on level of entry to the pathway) and remuneration and award entitlements align with other medical specialty training giving certainty and the protection of the industrial award.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) for local GP clinics to participate in a state-wide rollout of the Single Employer Model for rural doctors are well underway.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said EOIs were being undertaken now via the NSW Division of Regional Health, Local Health Districts (LHDs) and Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in preparation for the first intake of doctors across the region early next year.

“Despite GPs being the responsibility of the Federal Government, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been actively looking for solutions to the GP workforce shortage in rural and regional NSW,” Ms Cooke said.

“This could see doctors undertaking advanced training at Cowra and Young Hospitals as early as next year, and eventually networked out to health facilities in areas such as Cootamundra, Gundagai, Temora, Narrandera, West Wyalong and Grenfell.”

“The Single-Employer Model originally designed by, built and trialled out in parts of Southern NSW is showing real promise in helping with the GP shortages that are impacting our communities. I’m pleased to see that concrete steps are being taken here in the Cootamundra electorate to establish the program.

“The EOI stage will identify which GP practices wish to participate in hosting and supervising a doctor in their practice, on the days they are not working in the local hospital.

“I know that GP shortages are a concern, so I strongly encourage all GP clinics and practice managers across the Cootamundra electorate to contact their Local Health District or the PHN to express a firm interest in this great program if they have the capacity to participate.”

A formal Memorandum of Understanding is yet to be signed between NSW and the Commonwealth to formalise the required arrangements and federal exemptions, however, NSW is ready for a state-wide rollout of the program. By beginning the EOI process, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is ensuring that regional areas are set and ready to receive new doctors.

The Single-Employer Model is commonly known as the Rural Generalist Training Pathway or the Murrumbidgee model, and was first trialled in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District in 2020. Since its inception, it has been lauded as an important step in giving trainee GPs the chance to work in private practices and local hospitals to provide a greater range of care for local patients.

The model allows seamless transition between hospital and General Practice training placements. Trainees are employed on up to a four year contract (depending on level of entry to the pathway) and remuneration and award entitlements align with other medical specialty training giving certainty and the protection of the industrial award.