COUNCILLOR Leah Anderson is calling for Council to advocate for health facilities in the region.

At the recent Council meeting on 11 October, Cr Anderson raised a notice of motion regarding the shortage of health facilities in Port Stephens and requested that Council commence discussions with the State Government and private operators to advocate for increased facilities and determine any land use changes required for development of these facilities.

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Additionally, the motion asks the General Manager to provide a report investigating other Councils who have established health precincts to identify opportunities that can be applied to the Port Stephens LGA, including opportunities to increase the number of these facilities.

Cr Anderson requests that an investigation is undertaken for opportunities to develop health precincts in strategic centres and the option of establishing a Local Health Advisory Committee.

“Port Stephens is served only by one hospital and 23 general practices in Primary Health network and the Population Health Snapshot 2021 notes that for every full time General practitioner in the Port Stephens LGA, there is an average of 827 patients,” Cr Anderson said.

“There is an undeniable shortage of health facilities and medical practitioners in Port Stephens, and we need all levels of Government – local, State and Federal – working together to find solutions.”

Cr Anderson said Port Stephens Council taking a stand on this is vitally important.

“Our community needs and deserves better healthcare, and the Council needs to play our part in finding a solution,” she said.

The motion was unanimously supported.

By Tara CAMPBELL