I’m writing with reference to the recent decision by the NSW Department of Health to fund a Renal Satellite Unit in Cowra. 

As members of the Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) our role is to listen to, and advocate for our local community.

I would like to reassure our community that the Young LHAC has listened to their concerns and recently met with the renal project managers from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and from Cowra Health Service to express our disappointment in the decision and discuss how Young residents could benefit from the Cowra service.  

The outcome of the meeting was that Young patients who are eligible to dialyse in this type of facility are welcome to use the Cowra facility. 

A member of the LHAC committee has been invited to participate in the development of the new service to ensure the needs of patients from Young will be adequately catered for.

I would like also to reassure our community that while we missed out on this occasion, a renal satellite unit is still an identified priority by MLHD, and we will continue to work with MLHD to seek funding for a unit in our town.

The committee is pleased for the community of Cowra that they will be receiving a new renal unit and the Young LHAC will work with the Cowra Health Service to ensure the best possible access for people from Young.

If you would like to bring to LHAC’s attention specific issues in relation to the service in Cowra, we can be contacted  by going to the link www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/community-support/lhac-webpages/young-lhac .

We will keep the community informed of any progress or outcomes,

Heather Ritchie

Chairperson

Young LHAC