| Broken Hill is set in beautiful, outback New South Wales, and is home to many artists, drawn to the landscape and far horizons. Broken Hill was founded on silver, lead and zinc deposits, but mining has taken a back seat in recent years, with the decision to close the only surviving mine in 2006. The area attracts tourists as well as television and film crews, taking advantage of the sunlight, warmth and open country.
The Barrier Division of General Practice is one of the youngest Divisions in Australia, and currently employs two full-time and two part-time staff members.
The area has the unfortunate distinction of having the worst health status in New South Wales, including the highest death rates, both overall and from a variety of causes: coronary artery disease, diabetes, injury, suicide and homicide. It has the highest incidence of lung cancer, teenage births and low birth weight babies.
The Division has comparatively low funding, due to its small population, and despite the above statistics. As such it has had to evaluate its capabilities and focus it's efforts, in order to reach some achievable outcomes. The Division is keen to develop and expand its activities, in the future, as it is in a prime position to implement innovative and flexible programs that take into account the needs of the community.
Stakeholders include; Far West Area Health Service - Broken Hill Hospital, Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Service Far West Mental Health Service, Ivanhoe, Menindee, Tibooburra and White Cliffs Health Services (no in-patient ability), Wilcannia Multi-Purpose Service (with in-patient ability), Regional Diabetes Centre, Physiotherapy clinics, Occupational Therapy clinics, Osteopathic clinics, Chiropractic clinics, and Podiatry services. |
