A new Inverell Hospital was approved by the NSW Government in 1933, and opened in 1935. Despite various refurbishments over time (such as the 1980’s maternity unit), our hospital is essentially 80 years old. 

It is very expensive to run (maintenance, heating and cooling) and in some instances unsafe to work in.  This also applies to the old nurses’ quarters which now house Community Health.

 Inverell has many light industries as well as an abattoir employing 600 plus, as well as a rural hinterland.  Farming is argued to be the most hazardous occupation of all, so this suggests a decent, modern hospital is essential for the region.  

Not only that, but were the UNE not involved in a johhny-come-lately medical degree program, a sound geographic argument could be made for establishing Inverell as the other major hospital in the New England, one tier below Tamworth.

Furthermore, if the state government is serious about regional development, a most effective strategy to attract tree change is a modern hospital and allied health facilities. 

Let’s hope Adam Marshall’s efforts to get Inverell Hospital onto the pending list is a successful follow-up to Torbay’s petition.  

It certainly seems more genuine than Kevin Anderson’s crocodile tears.

Garry Newley

Inverell