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WIMMERA leaders enjoyed face time with the country’s top health minister this week.
Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Catherine Morley – along with other health representatives – met Greg Hunt when he toured the region on Wednesday.
Ms Morley said her discussion with the minister was wide-ranging.
“One of the things we spoke about was access to medical expertise across general practitioner and specialist areas,” she said.
“He's got a plan and has committed to working with us to make that better.
“We also spoke about nursing shortages and looked at infrastructure and how, as a region, all our health services are in a difficult position.
“He definitely heard what we said and thought there was a way the federal government could help rural areas be prioritised.”
Ms Morley said the discussion also touched on mental health and chronic disease.
“He recognised our concerns about the lack of adequate mental health services and the impact that's having on our people,” she said.
“We spoke about the need to have a great training environment and great transport, and for that to be reflected with support from the federal and state governments.
“We also discussed the importance of health in our region. Nearly 5000 people employed here work in the health sector.
“It's a big part of our region for economic viability and attracting and retaining staff.”
Member for Mallee Andrew Broad – who accompanied Mr Hunt – said having a chance to speak with the minister directly gave people comfort they were not forgotten in Canberra.
“Ultimately, having the minister come to our patch translates to better outcomes for the people who live here,” he said.
“To actually be able to road test with people who are living day to day means we deliver better policies.
“It helps the minister to ensure that when he does deliver policy, it will hit the ground running and work straight away.”