A snapshot of health needs and services in Baw Baw Shire revealed 10 per cent of people had a mental health consultation with their doctor in the past 12 months, which was higher than both the Gippsland and national average.
The statistics were revealed in the annual Gippsland Primary Health Network local government area snapshots which provide a detailed analysis of health and wellbeing across the region.
Each snapshot compared local data to Gippsland and statewide averages, delivering insights into key community health issues such as workforce distribution, service access, economic wellbeing, and population trends.
Mental health statistics showed 10 per cent of Baw Baw Shire's population had a mental health consultation with their GP – higher than Gippsland rate of 8.7 per cent and the national average 7.9 per cent; while attendance at a clinical psychologist was 1.8 per cent - higher than the Gippsland rate of 1.4 per cent but lower than the national average of two per cent.
The figures also revealed 11.1 per cent of the population had a diagnosed mental health condition, slightly above the 11 per cent rate for Gippsland and above the 8.8 per cent rate for Victoria.
The Baw Baw snapshot for health issues showed:
31.8 per 100,000 avoidable deaths due to heart related issues;
28.7 per 100,000 avoidable deaths due to cancer;
7.2 per 100,000 avoidable deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and,
3.9 per 100,000 avoidable deaths due to diabetes.
There were 153 emergency department presentations per 1000 people in Baw Baw, lower than the rate of 163 for Gippsland but higher than the Victorian rate of 124 per 1000.
The snapshot also showed a 50.7 per cent screening rate for breast cancer, 47 per cent screening rate for bowel cancer and 59.7 per cent screening rate for cervical cancer.
Immunisation rates showed 91.8 per cent of one-year-old children were immunised and 92.3 per cent of five-year-old children were immunised - both below the Gippsland and Victorian rates.
The Gippsland wide snapshot showed Gippsland's population continued to grow, with 307,653 residents in 2023and projections indicating a rise to 338,070 by 2031. The fastest growth is occurring in Baw Baw and Bass Coast which saw increases of 2.3 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively in 2022–23.
The Gippsland snapshot offered insights related to health risk factors and social determinants:
Almost 9 in 10 people (89 per cent) in Gippsland accessed a GP; higher than Victoria (86 per cent).
Almost 9 in 10 GP consultations (87 per cent) were bulk billed; higher than Victoria (77 per cent).
A high smoking rate (19 per cent of adults) compared to Victoria (16 per cent).
High alcohol consumption at levels likely to lead to lifetime harm (65 per cent of adults compared to 60 per cent).
Youth unemployment is high at 15.1 per cent, compared to 10.7 per cent across Victoria.
GPHN chief executive officer Amanda Proposch said the data provided a clear view of the region's health landscape.
"While our region has made great progress, the snapshots highlight areas that remain concerning.
High rates of avoidable deaths, emergency department use, and mental health presentations show where our communities are struggling – and where our efforts must
continue.
"Each of Gippsland's local government areas has unique strengths and priorities. As a region-wide organisation, we know the importance of tailoring services to meet local needs. Through
our commissioning and local partnerships, we're already addressing these issues – from mental health access to reducing avoidable hospital visits.
"These snapshots help sharpen our focus and strengthen our commitment to better health for all of Gippsland," she said.