Health
31 January, 2025
New Health Services Petition Launched in West Wyalong to Protect Local Healthcare
LAST WEEK, NSW MP for Cootamundra and National’s Shadow Minister, Steph Cooke, alongside Bland Shire Council Mayor and local pharmacist Brian Monaghan, launched a petition to protect vital health services in the West Wyalong community.
The petition calls for action to safeguard the town’s healthcare infrastructure and prevent further closures or reductions in essential services.
It was launched in response to ongoing concerns over the proposed closure of the pathology lab in West Wyalong, a vital service for residents. In addition to the immediate threat to the pathology lab, the petition also highlights the risk to other healthcare services in the town, including the maternity ward, theatre services, and intensive care resources for paramedics across the region.
“It is a pleasure to officially launch our Health Services Petition in West Wyalong alongside pharmacist and Bland Shire Council Mayor Brian Monaghan,” said Steph Cooke at the launch.
“The residents of this community remember well the closure of their maternity ward - never to be reopened. We cannot afford to let this happen to other towns like West Wyalong. Our community's health services are critical, and we must do everything we can to protect them.”
The main battlefront in the campaign is the proposed closure of the pathology lab, but Cooke emphasised the interconnectedness of various healthcare services.
“Maternity and theatre services are already at risk, and it’s crucial that we act now to protect what remains. These services are not just buildings - they are the heart of the community’s health, and their loss would be felt deeply.”
In addition to these concerns, the petition also calls for improved support for Intensive Care Paramedics (ICP) in the Cootamundra electorate.
“We are demanding that ICPs in every station across our electorate be equipped with everything they need to practice to their level of accreditation. Unfortunately, we already know that resources have been scaled down, and this is unacceptable,” Cooke said.
The petition, which aims to gather 10,000 signatures, has already garnered significant support, with nearly 3,000 signatures collected to date. Cooke urged residents to help reach the goal.
“There is so much at stake, and as we head towards 3,000 signatures of the 10,000 we need, I’m asking every resident to help us get there,” she said.
“When you’re next in town, please drop into the West Wyalong Pharmacy and sign the petition. I appreciate any help you can provide to make sure our healthcare services are protected for future generations.”
Mayor Brian Monaghan, who is also a pharmacist in the region, echoed Cooke’s sentiments and highlighted the real-world impacts these cuts are having on the local community.
“I see firsthand the challenges our healthcare system faces, and I know how vital these services are to our families. The proposed closures are deeply concerning, and I am proud to stand with Steph in this fight to protect our town’s health services.”
Residents of West Wyalong and the surrounding communities are encouraged to continue supporting the petition and to visit the West Wyalong Pharmacy to sign in person.
Read More: West Wyalong
