Michael* has had more interaction with regional health services than he would prefer.
As such, he has developed an understanding of how the health system operates at local and regional level and is well aware upgrades are needed in Deniliquin.
"I have read comments about the centralisation of regional services in places like Wagga Wagga and Albury, and how these centres are now struggling to cope.
"Well, that's exactly how it is. Governments have not kept up the service delivery in towns like Deniliquin, with more and more patients being sent to the regional centres.
"But now, hospitals like Albury are at breaking point and governments need to look at investing in the areas that have been neglected or the issue will not be resolved.
"Latest data shows Albury is one of Australia's fastest growing centres, with more people moving from capital cities. So this will further exacerbate the situation; it's going to get worse if nothing is done," Michael said.
He is speaking out as a strong advocate for Edward River Council's push for a new Deniliquin Hospital as part of a broader health precinct.
"If there is sufficient investment in Deniliquin as a cluster centre, the pressure will ease on the larger regional hospitals.
"But more importantly, patients in Deniliquin and district will have easier access to services. This will be positive for patient wellbeing, as well as having a significant impact on local family finances.
"Regular trips to regional centres for medical treatment is a costly exercise," Michael said.
He says improved infrastructure in Deniliquin would encourage more medical professionals and a broader range of services.
"I had an ambulance trip to Albury when an urgent procedure was needed. In Albury they were surprised it wasn't done at Deni Hospital, but then acknowledged 'they wouldn't have done it very often over there'.
"If we improve the facilities and services available in Deniliquin, hopefully this type of situation will change … the expense and trauma associated with patient transport can be reduced.
"If we get a new hospital, it will have huge benefits for patients and for the health system, easing pressure on regional hospitals and patient transport services."
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall said there were many examples of patients like Michael who have to travel long distances, sometimes by ambulance, for medical attention and this is putting unsustainable pressure on the large regional hospitals.
"By funding a new Deniliquin Hospital as part of a broader health precinct, governments will not only be improving the lifestyle of our district residents, but also helping to overcome a growing problem in the rural health system.
"The centralisation of health services is no longer effective for smaller communities like Deniliquin. A more effective approach would be to decentralise funding to the cluster centre of the entire health district."
"At a local level we have been under-funded for far too long. Now, instead of 'patch up', we need a new hospital.
"Council will continue working with the New South Wales Government and appropriate Ministers to highlight the benefits of providing the funds so it can become a reality," Cr Hall said.
*Michael is not the patient's real name, but these are real experiences.
