Statistics provided to The Border Mail by a concerned doctor show Albury Wodonga Health (62,943) had a significantly higher number of emergency presentations in 2016-17 than the health services in the Goulburn Valley (31,682), Wagga (39,746), Ballarat (41,766) and Bendigo (50,026).

Figures for the 2016-17 financial year show waiting list admissions were significantly higher than the other four services, and that Albury Wodonga Health had more births.

There were 1617 births within the Border health service in 2016-17, up on Ballarat (1389), Bendigo (1367), Wagga (1243) and Goulburn Valley (1086).

With 6584 waiting list admissions for the same financial year, Albury Wodonga Health was almost double that of the Goulburn Valley (3574) and well up on Bendigo (4799) and Ballarat (5370).

Despite this, the Border service has lagged for capital investment, with $30 million allocated to Albury-Wodonga in 2017.

By contrast, Ballarat Health received $500 million this year, Wagga services received $431 million from 2011 to 2018, and Bendigo Health received $630 million from 2012 to 2016.

Goulburn Valley Health received $165 million last year.

A doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, said the figures were concerning.

“It’s a shameful state of affairs,” the concerned doctor said.

“Both NSW and Victorian departments are aware of data like this.

“(The) public should be aware.

“People in our region are missing out on the care (they) deserve.

“They pay tax the same as everyone else. How can this situation exist?”

A letter was recently signed by 44 doctors, surgeons and specialists calling for Benambra to be made a marginal seat at the upcoming state election.

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Albury Wodonga Health has 337 hospital beds – less than half the number in Ballarat, which has 785. 

Bendigo Health, which recently had a new hospital built, has 524 beds. 

The doctor said change was needed. 

“Something has to give,” they said.