Labor support for a fully resourced and funded Level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital cascaded from federal to state to local government at a weekend rally backing the proposed facility in Moruya.
NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns, shadow Health minister Ryan Park, federal MP for Gilmore Fiona Phillips and the Eurobodalla Labor for Council team led by Mayoral candidate David Grace joined the estimated 250 local residents demanding a fully resourced Level 4 hospital when it opens, and not in 10 years’ time.
“Everyone should have quality access to health care and services no matter where they live,” Labor’s state leader said. “Yet, we are seeing people in this part of the world going without critical health services,” Mr Minns added.
Labor’s Eurobodalla Shire Council’s election team met with Chris Minns, Ryan Park and Fiona Phillips to address Eurobodalla’s health needs and seek the ongoing support of state and federal representatives.
“We look forward to working with them, as well as whomever wins the state seat of Bega, to get the health services Eurobodalla needs,” Mr Grace said.
“It’s a pressing need and a reasonable request the hospital is established as a Level 4 facility given there is no regional hospital in the 300kms between Nowra and Bega.
“The Eurobodalla Health District, with a significant Indigenous population and one of the highest seniors demographics in Australia, currently has no critical care and intensive care service, no local mental health unit, and no specialist physician, paediatric, anaesthetic, or orthopaedic services.
“There is a desperate need to immediately upgrade accident & emergency, critical care and perioperative services in the Eurobodalla. There is also need for an urgent reconsideration relating to the provision of radiation oncology treatments locally in the Eurobodalla,” he added.
The Labor candidates in addition to David Grace are Maureen Searson, Matthew Findlay, Claire McAsh, Deirdre Russack and Jack Egan.