Brad Hazzard, the Minister for Health has responded to the petition delivered by One New Eurobodalla hospital (ONE) movement in a letter today that acknowledges the work of Dr Michael Holland and the members of the ONE movement with the collection of 3000 signatures in a matter of weeks, showing the community's view and support for a new hospital. In his letter he acknowledges the concerns of the signatories for the health of their community, and welcomes the opportunity to respond saying "On 31 October 2018, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW, and the Hon Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, announced a $150 million investment to build a new single hospital in the Eurobodalla. The Premier announced that an appropriate site was yet to be identified. Southern NSW Local Health District and Health Infrastructure will partner with the community for the best outcome. Critically he acknowledges that while the petition called for One regional hospital it also bought concern to the current status and the shortfalls in delivery of service due to diminished resources. The petition read in part: We, the undersigned, respectfully ask the Legislative Assembly to direct the Minister for Health to; Provide immediate improvement to the Accident & Emergency, Critical Care and Perioperative services of the Eurobodalla Shire by funding and upgrading the existing infrastructure and workforce. The Minister has written in his response "I am advised that the new Eurobodalla Health Service Clinical Services Plan is in development and will assess health services required for the Eurobodalla communities, develop models of care, and identify workforce requirements." "Community consultation has occurred and will continue through all stages of location, planning and construction of the new health service. "A transition plan is also being developed as part of the planning process for the new hospital. This will consider any interim infrastructure improvements that may be required." "I am advised that additional staffing levels are being reviewed and a planning process is under way to ensure resulting staffing levels are balanced." Brad Hazzard, Minister for Health "Staffing of the Eurobodalla emergency department has been boosted recently with 1.5 Emergency Department specialists recently recruited. Recruitment is under way for an extra doctor. "
