Better communication about the future of Bowral and District Hospital has become a key goal for residents. 

Concerns about funding allocation and the proposed public private partnership (PPP) will be the focus of a new group which is in its formative stages.

Chairperson Edna Carmichael said a “lack of good management” had prompted the group’s creation.

“We [group members] were all amazed at the lack of information available regarding the proposed PPP, and the very casual approach the local health district was trotting out about the possible merger,” she said.

“Three million dollars of the $50 million [of state funding] has been spent, and there has been no real movement, such as drawings by architects or firm commitment by Ramsay Health Care to a PPP at Bowral.”

Public discussion about the future of Bowral and District Hospital began when $50 million of hospital funding was announced by member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell in September, 2016.

As part of the announcement, health minister Jillian Skinner said non-government hospital operators had been invited to become involved with public health.

Community members were concerned about lack of consultation, and union members held a rally outside the hospital on October 30, 2016. South West Sydney Local Health District representatives began holding community consultation sessions at the hospital in November and December, 2016.

Mr Rowell said while he had been unable to attend the community consultation sessions regarding the hospital in 2016, he would be available to anyone who wished to speak with him.

“I have been speaking with and responding to many people regarding the hospital, and overall the feedback has been very positive,” he said.

“I can confirm that the $50 million upgrade will commence [in 2017], regardless of the expression of interest [from Ramsay Health Care].”

He said if the proposed PPP with Ramsay Health Care (which currently is responsible for Southern Highlands Private Hospital) did not go ahead, benefits from the funding would still proceed.

“The two hospitals at Bowral already have a partnership that spans decades,” Mr Rowell said.

“Public patients will always be free, and I have been disappointed at a handful of people running a scare campaign to trick patients into thinking they will have to pay. The hospital will always be owned by the people.”

Bowral and District Hospital general manager Valerie Jovanovic said more community consultation sessions were planned for 2017.

“[The sessions] include one-on-one meetings with key community groups and stakeholders,” she said. “In addition, regular updates will be offered to the council, local MPs and the wider community throughout the redevelopment project.”

More information about the community group will be available soon.