Inverell Hospital is set to maintain its current levels of service but its ability to cater for the future needs of the district, remains in question.
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That appears to be the outcome of last Thursday’s meeting between community representatives and NSW Health authorities held to discuss the plans for the hospital’s redevelopment.
The consultation was attended by a variety of key local stakeholders including community hospital advocate Bob Bensley, a number of local medical practitioners, mayor Paul Harmon and deputy mayor Anthony Michael, and Armajun CEO Debbie McGowan. Also present were representatives from Health NSW Infrastructure and Hunter New England Health (HNEH) including the latter’s chief executive Michael Di Renzio. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall participated via telephone due to compulsory parliamentary commitments in Sydney.
It was the first discussion in which all participants had access to HNEH’s Clinical Services Plan which holds critical details related to the redevelopment designs.
“[HNEH] admitted they had the population figures wrong,” Mr Bensley said.
The outdated data meant the new hospital was being designed on an expected decrease in the district’s population rather than the reality of a steadily increasing number of people living in the area.
With Mr Di Renzio outlining an increase in planned beds to correct for the shortfall, from 35 to 38, Mr Bensley said that debate moved on to the number and configuration of surgical theatres and maternity beds.
However, he explained, the current budget was seen as a barrier to making further changes, and NSW Treasury was reportedly described as being unlikely to increase expenditure.
“A Treasury assessment was seen as a barrier,” Mr Bensley said. “[HNEH] wants to build the hospital now and if necessary down the track look at further steps.”
Mr Marshall, who described the meeting as “useful and constructive” said he did not believe there had been “an outcome yet”.
“The whole project is going to need to be re-scoped to cater for potentially increased activity and increased services in the future,” he said.
The MP wants the current redevelopment plans extended to can cater for more specialist services, increasing demand and fewer patient transfers. He explained he wants the hospital designed to meet the community’s needs rather than a $30 million cap.
“I’m prepared to fight for the funds we need,” Mr Marshall said.
