Public Health First (PHF) recently met with representatives of governing body for Bowral and District Hospital -the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Board, to discuss the future of the hospital.
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The hospital has $50 million budgeted by the State Government for a new building and associated works due for completion in 2021/22.
The meeting was attended by SWSLHD board chairman Prof. Phillip Harris AM and Chief Executive Amanda Larkin as well as Edna Carmichael, Keith Smith and Gordon Markwart on behalf of PHF.
A short presentation was given outlining the background being the formation of PHF becoming a community representative body, the reality between what the budgeted $50 million can achieve and what is documented as required to provide a complete upgrade to Bowral and District Hospital.
Due to delays and indecision, the budgeted $50 million can now no longer deliver to the original plans and PHF expressed concern of probable cutbacks to promised services.
In addition, in 2009 a full upgrade was costed at $110 million, in current terms PHF expressed means in addition to the $50 million committed, another $110 million is still required to complete the full upgrade.
PHF complimented the board on their recent support for renal services and the board’s discussions with the Health Minister about the funding requirements for Bowral and District Hospital.
In addition, PHF made the point that the hospital staff do an excellent job within the infrastructure constraints that exist.
SWSLHD chairman Professor Harris indicated support for the aims of PHF and, while it was clearly understood the board and PHF have different ways of approaching the issue, there was a meeting of minds that adequate funding for Bowral and District Hospital is critical to the future of the health services within the Southern Highlands.
The board also stated that the Southern Highlands was fortunate to have such a committed and passionate group supporting the local community.
PHF closed by echoing the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
During her visit to Bowral she stated that the NSW government has billions to spend on services and infrastructure and her Government would make sure each community across the state receives the services and infrastructure it needs.
The commitment of PHF is continue to fight very publicly for an additional $110 million funding for Bowral and District Hospital every day up to the next state election and beyond.
PHF representatives said any less than $110 million was unacceptable and would become the major campaign issue.