In a story recently published by the ABC, the plight of Shane Muldoon and his organisation ‘Psst n’ Ponies’ depicts a campaign that aims to raise awareness for the lack of rural mens health care assistance.
In an effort to draw attention to this issue, Shane Muldoon, who is battling cancer, organised a group of 30 other riders and began upon the 75km journey to Ross River Station.
Muldoon speaks openly about the fact that his issues lie not with the hospitals, but with the government implemented policies and procedures, that limit access to proper care in rural areas.
“They haven’t thought about people living far away. it took them nine months to get in contact with me after referral. I have asked that if your GP has referred you to the health department, that within two to three working days, you should be getting a phone call or a notice. The other issue is transferring information; not only through all the health departments but also back to the patient” Muldoon told ABC.
Sam Goodwin spoke about the importance of Shane’s plight in building awareness for an often underrated issue.
“Shane’s story prompted us to look at what services we do deliver and what the supply and demand of that is. Clarifying and communication to patients what is going on is really important an we will take a leaf out of Shane’s book for sure.”
