IF RESIDENTS want to see change when it comes to Leeton's doctor shortage, people power is required.
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A community meeting with Member for Farrer, and former Federal Minister for Health, Sussan Ley has been set down for March 19.
Leeton shire residents Angela Uren, Jason Richardson and Robert Quodling have been lobbying and advocating on behalf of the community to have Ms Ley attend the meeting and hear everyone's concerns.
The crux of their campaign is securing more doctors for the shire, as well as the idea of having a doctor permanently stationed at the Leeton District Hospital.
At present, a doctor will be on-call for the hospital, but those on the roster are still required to work at or man their clinics and surgeries.
This means sometimes a patient will be told by a doctor's surgery to attend the hospital's emergency department, only to find there is no doctor there to help.
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In many cases they have then been told to drive to Griffith to seek treatment.
The trio have made it clear they aren't criticising the current doctors in town, those who work at doctor's surgeries or nurses at the hospital.
What they want to achieve with this meeting is simple.
"We want Sussan Ley to listen to our concerns, see it's a problem and do something," Ms Uren said.
"Having a doctor at the hospital, while not working at a clinic and doing the extra hours, is an ideal solution.
"Why can't we have a doctor who is just there and not somewhere else?"
The group want the whole community to stand up and make their voice heard on the issue.
They believe the more people who attend the meeting with Ms Ley, the more the elected member will push the envelope and take it further.
"They take notice of how many people go to these things," Ms Uren said.
The trio have assured the community they are only wanting to do what's in its best interests.
"That's all we want to do," Ms Uren said.
We want Sussan Ley to listen to our concerns, see it's a problem and do something.
- Concerned resident Angela Uren
"I know every hospital in our area has its own problems, but this is our issue and I am prepared to fight regarding our problems."
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District has said it is working on attracting more doctors to Leeton shire to help service the community.
The group have also met with Member for Murray Austin Evans and Leeton Shire Council to highlight the issues.
The meeting with Ms Ley will be held at the Yanco All-Servicemen's Club on March 19 from 4pm to 5pm.
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