New Hospital flythrough video produces more questions than answers

The residents of the Eurobodalla were given the Schematic Design of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital this week but all is not as it seems. The schematic design maps out the exterior and interior of the building including the site plan and floor plan.

Beyond this the video offers very little in the way of substance when it comes to specifics such as bed numbers and surgical capacities. The member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland was asked for his take on the latest overviews being provided to the community by NSW Health. His response:

"With the New South Wales Government promising the commencement of building by the March 2023 NSW State General election, the community expects to be and is entitled to be informed of the final bed numbers and proposed services by now.

"There has been a generic announcement on the New Eurobodalla Regional Hospital website that "the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include:

• An emergency department

• Surgical and operating theatres

• Ambulatory care for community outpatient services

• Paediatric and maternity services - including inpatient beds

"Would it be a hospital without those services?

The Member for Bega adds "I am informed by local doctors, nurses and midwives that procedural numbers and births have fallen with increased transfers of care outside the region.

"An extension to the Accident & Emergency Department at Moruya District Hospital remains unopened a week before our population triples for the holiday season.

"If re-elected next year, I commit to informing the residents of the Eurobodalla of the bed numbers, services and networking plan for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

"Working with local clinicians and healthcare workers, I will develop a plan for the transition towards opening a new Level 4 hospital on opening by the opening of inpatient beds at Moruya District Hospital, the development of the Close Observation Unit to a specialist-led unit and the opening of an urgent care department at Batemans Bay.

"This important project needs to be completed as a fully functioning and functional service". Note: As yet there has been no comment made by either the Greens or Liberal candidates around the concerns held or the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital capacities or inclusions. With both of these candidates living in the south of the electorate their silence around a "northern" issue remains of concern. In the coming months in the leadup to the March 2023 NSW State elections the Beagle will be asking the candidates pointed questions on roads, environment, health, education and housing. Hopefully we will receive informed answers that are whole of electorate. Meanwhile the Greens and Liberal candidates are welcome to offer their thoughts on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.