Draft plan for better health services in Tumut. Health plans ahead.

A public meeting gives new plan the go-ahead. A draft plan aimed at improving health services in the Tumut district was given the tick of approval at a public meeting last night.

Chairman of the Tumut Local Government Area Health Service Planning Committee, Allan Tonkin, said about 60 people attended the meeting at the Tumut RSL Club.

"It was an excellent turnout," Mr Tonkin said.

"The general feeling was the plan would be a vehicle to bring attention to deficiencies (in health services)."

One of those deficiencies discussed was a lack of ultrasound options.

Health service plans are being developed by Riverina communities following the creation of the Greater Southern Area Health Service in January.

"The service plan will provide a framework that will guide what services are delivered, facility planning and workforce," Mr Tonkin said.

"The recommendations will be taken on board by the Greater Southern Area Health."

The Tumut plan has 40 recommendations, and the committee wants the community to prioritise them during a 28-day public exhibition before the document is finalised after another public meeting scheduled for November 3.

By Ken Grimson

The Daily Advertiser

Wagga Wagga

September 23 2005