Navigating healthcare in Hay: residents share perspectives

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) would like to thank the residents of Hay who shared insights into their community's health needs during the 'Conversations on the Couch' event earlier this year.

In August, MPHN conducted interviews with residents, offering a platform for the community to express their health-related perspectives. 

Acting Senior Manager Integration Toni Preuss said some common themes emerged from the discussions, including the challenges posed by residents needing to travel long distances to access health services and the absence of allied health services in Hay. 

“The ability to access healthcare services was a significant concern, particularly for people living with longer-term health issues,” Ms Preuss said. 

“Residents also spoke about the limited availability of specific healthcare services in Hay, such as audiology and physiotherapy. Long wait times for diagnostic services and specialist appointments was also an issue. 

“We also heard about the challenges people faced when traveling for healthcare appointments.” 

Attendees highlighted significant challenges with accommodation, noting a shortage of rental vacancies in Hay. Homelessness was also a concern, with residents uncertain about the availability of services for what they reported was a growing problem in the town. 

Residents also voiced concerns about the lack of suitable services for youth alcohol and drug issues, especially for those under 15, and expressed a desire for more social interactions for older residents. 

Despite these challenges, Ms Preuss said residents spoke favourably about local medical services. 

“The people we spoke to had good experiences with local healthcare services and were happy with the quality of local healthcare provided," Ms Preuss said. 

“We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations. Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing our understanding of emerging health needs for the Hay community." 

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network will use feedback gathered from the Hay Conversations on the Couch to inform the federal government about the health needs in the Murrumbidgee region during the Health Needs Assessment refresh at the end of the year. 

Residents of Hay are encouraged to continue sharing their thoughts on health by participating in the quick, anonymous Health Needs Assessment survey at mphn.org.au/hna or by contacting MPHN on (02) 6923 3100. 

For more information on the health status of the Hay Shire, please visit mphn.org.au/health-needs-assessments