Seasoned hospital campaigner Bob Bensley held up a faded Inverell Times newspaper in the council chamber on Wednesday and pointed to a 1977 article calling for a ‘quiet but dignified protest’ against poor conditions at the local hospital.
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The act gave an historical insight into the importance of the facility to the community and the reasons why he was making a formal address to councillors about the plans for its $30 million redevelopment.
On the eve of next week’s community information sessions, Mr Bensley asked councillors to pay close attention to the plans developed by Hunter New England Health (HNEH) which have recently been passed onto NSW Health Infrastructure for implementation.
“Hunter New England Health have not honoured any of the undertakings given at the last public meeting in Inverell 17 months ago such as the provision of a Clinical Health Plan, regular consultations with the local community, and regular progress reports,” he said.
Mr Bensley is keen for community members, like the shire’s councillors to take a thorough look at the plans, given the lack of local input that’s been involved in creating them.
A spokesperson for NSW Health Infrastructure said, however, that initial planning consultation did begin in 2016 but focused on staff and clinicians: “It is now the appropriate time for community to get involved, ask questions to the project team and provide feedback.”
Further community consultation is also planned.
