01 November 2006

Minister inspects $117,000 upgrade to Deniliquin Health Service

NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, visited Deniliquin Health Service today to view recent upgrades worth over $110,000.

Mr Hatzistergos was in the area with Member for Murray-Darling, Peter Black MP, for the NSW Government's Regional Cabinet meeting in Wentworth.

"These three upgrades will provide the Deniliquin community with specialised equipment, improved water usage and a special quiet room for use by family and friends of patients," Mr Hatzistergos said.

Member for Murray Darling, Peter Black, welcomed today's visit, saying the upgrades were a big boost for the local hospital.

"Deniliquin Health Service plays a vital role serving the Deniliquin community. These upgrades are an important boost for our local hospital," Mr Black said.

"Yesterday the Minister and I visited Wentworth and Dareton - it is really important that he sees our hospitals first-hand so he understands what our local issues are.

"I welcome the drought package the Premier announced yesterday, particularly the additional mental health workers.

"I will continue fighting for Deniliquin to make sure that we get our share," he said.

Drought mental health worker for Deniliquin

Mr Hatzistergos said that at yesterday's Cabinet meeting in Wentworth, Premier Morris Iemma announced additional support to help drought-stricken communities across the State.

"The comprehensive package includes funding for six additional mental health workers, coming on top of funding provided for 71 mental health worker positions for rural NSW this year," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The location of the six additional mental health workers and the mental health workshops will be determined following consultation with peak organisations, including the NSW Farmers' Association, the State's Drought Support Workers.

"Deniliquin could potentially be a good location for one of these drought support workers if we can find the right candidate with the necessary skills and experience," he said.

Enhancing the Deniliquin Hospital Water Supply

Mr Hatzistergos will officially commission the new $60,000 water infrastructure which will improve the hospital's capacity to meet future needs.

"The new system will increase water supply, improve water pressure and increase the capacity to supply water to meet future needs.

"It also incorporates a back-flow prevention device to prevent contamination of the local water supply.

"I am glad the work was done by a local company - Barnett Brothers Pty Ltd of Deniliquin- installing two PVC tanks, each with 9,000 litre capacity," he said.

Specialised new oral health radiology machine

While visiting the health service, Mr Hatzistergos also inspected the new $50,000 specialised ortho pantomogram facio-maxillary machine (OPG) received in July.

"The new $50,000 specialised ortho pantomogram facio-maxillary machine (OPG) will provide fast and effective face and mouth images for treating patients," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"The OPG machine uses technology that takes an image of the whole mouth in one quick shot making it a simple but very effective diagnostic tool.

"These machines are primarily used to take images for high level dental work, however they can also be used in Hospital Emergency Departments for patients with facial injuries.

"This new machine provides a service to dentists from Deniliquin and the surrounding area and is used to diagnose approximately 100 people per month," he said.

Minister recognises staff fundraising effort for hospital quiet space

Mr Hatzistergos also took the opportunity to visited the newly refurbished Quiet Room and congratulated staff for their tremendous effort and generosity in fund-raising.

"Thanks to $7,000 raised by staff in a fund-raising bike relay, families and friends of patients at Deniliquin Hospital now have a quiet area to rest and relax.

"I commend the hospital staff for recognising a need for an area where family, relatives and friends of patients can have private time in a comforting environment.

"Staff and volunteers who give up their valuable time and effort to raise money for their local hospitals are the heart and soul of our health system," he said.

The Quiet Room was funded with donations from the 2005 Murray to Moyne Bike Relay in association with the Deniliquin Hospital Fundraising Committee.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au