Nimbin Multipurpose Health Service
| About this Item |
Subjects | Health; Hospitals; Nimbin |
Speakers | George Mr Thomas |
Business | Private Members Statements |
Page: 16170
Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [5.42 p.m.]: I have spoken previously in the House about problems within the Nimbin community, but I have also paid tribute to it. Last Wednesday, 18 May, was a great day for Nimbin. A few years ago Nimbin faced the possibility of losing its ageing and rundown hospital. As a result of a jointly funded project by the State and Federal governments, last week the New South Wales Minister for Health opened the new 15-bed multipurpose health service at Nimbin. This great day was enjoyed not only by the village of Nimbin but also by the surrounding areas.
In-patient services include acute care, residential care, and emergency services. The community expressed deep appreciation for this facility because approximately four or five years ago it faced the possibility of losing its health services. Community services include the needle and syringe program, dental services, a methadone program, physiotherapy, radiology, a counselling service, community nursing, community aged care packages, the Nimbin Medical Centre, and women's health.
I wish to highlight the Nimbin Medical Centre, because only two years ago I attended a community meeting at Nimbin at which 300 to 400 people expressed their concern about the need for a local doctor. The remaining doctor had officially resigned from the public system and, at the time, he made a plea for help. Various representations were made and rural doctor services are now based at the Nimbin Medical Centre. The community and the Federal and State governments have worked hard to establish a medical centre in the area. A community networking facility has also been established to work with alternative therapies, non-government organisations, religious groups, the Nimbin Health and Welfare Centre, the business community, the school, the legal service, other multipurpose services and health services, the Division of General Practice, the local council, police and multiple occupancies that are based in the Nimbin area.
The new Rural Hospital and Health Service will provide the following opportunities: mental health support, pastoral care, farm health and safety, Koori health, commune education, family health, women's health, men's health, school screening and immunisation, cancer care palliation, domestic violence services, promotion and prevention support, sexual health, youth services, and hospital in the home. The opening of this facility was a great day for Nimbin and I am pleased tonight to join the community in expressing gratitude for it.
I congratulate Ray Phelps, the Manager of the Nimbin Multipurpose Health Service, his staff and the community on the wonderful job they have done. Over the past couple of years they have had to endure inconvenience while construction was taking place. I also pay tribute to the building company for constructing a facility that the Nimbin community deserved; it can be justifiably proud of it. The Nimbin Multipurpose Health Service is a great win for the community. I had the pleasure of attending its official opening, together with Ian Causley, the Federal member for Page, and the New South Wales Minister for Health, the Hon. Morris Iemma.