Results are in: Murwillumbah's health services survey

The results of a health services survey conducted in Murwillumbah late last year have been released, with 52% of respondents saying they sometimes have difficulty accessing the healthcare they need.

Of the 52%, most said they had trouble getting an appointment with a doctor when they needed it, while others said that health appointments were not affordable. Despite this, 7 in 10 participants said their GP practice is their main source of health information with 1 in 3 people using a telehealth service in the last twelve months as a more convenient way to access health services.

The survey attracted 465 responses, with female respondents accounting for the majority of submissions. The survey findings are being considered by local representatives as part of the Collaborative Care Program, which is facilitated by Rural Doctors Network (RDN) and supported by the NSW Ministry of Health.

Mental Health services were identified as important to the Murwillumbah community with those who accessed mental health services indicating they want improved wait times, more available services, and more free services.

Survey respondents were particularly concerned about the availability of GP services and the lack of free (bulk billing) options. However, since the survey closed, some positive changes have been made. Murwillumbah was reclassified in 2025 as a regional area, which has improved the financial assistance that GP practices can access from the government. Another GP practice has since opened in Murwillumbah, and a new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will open down the road in Tweed Heads in December.

More information on the Murwillumbah Health Services Survey results can be found here.

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Related reading:

• Healthcare priorities (Tweed Valley Weekly)