Following up from the letter to the Editor "Where is the Leadership?" Eurobodalla Councillor Patrick McGinlay has decided that he won't wait any longer for the Mayor or Council Executive to take a proactive step in advocacy to the State Government on behalf of residents and ratepayers in the area of health.
It has long been the opinion of Council that health is a NSW State matter
however, by his example next week, Councillor McGinlay will be reminding Council that they have a key role to play in advocacy.
Councillor McGinlay has given notice that at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 10 December 2019, he will move the following motion.
MOTION THAT Council write to the Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) to
1. Reaffirm Council’s support for the development of a single, high quality hospital facility, centrally located in our shire
2. Seek to assist SNSWLHD as a stakeholder in expediting the planning process, by carrying out our role in the timeliest manner practicable
3. Seek assurance that the new facility will provide medical services equal to those of the Regional and Base Hospitals within the Southern NSW Local Health District.
In a submission to the Eurobodalla Shire Council Public Forum on Tuesday 23rd October 2018, Dr Michael Holland asked the following questions of Council.;
1. “Does it support the provision of immediate improvement to the Accident & Emergency, Critical Care and Perioperative services of the Eurobodalla Shire?
2. Does it support the provision of one new regional hospital for the Eurobodalla Shire, located at a site providing equitable access for the residents of the Eurobodalla, which will provide medical services equal to those of the Regional and Base Hospitals within the Southern NSW Local Health District?
3. Will the Eurobodalla Shire Council advocate for better health services for the community through representation to the NSW and Federal Governments?”
More than 12 months later Dr Holland has now posed the following observation and questions:
“Local government authorities exist to provide services and amenities to local communities, and are also responsible for regulating and providing services for land and property in their district.
- Will the Eurobodalla Shire Council liaise with the SNSWLHD and NSW Health Infrastructure to commence the necessary planning for a potential site for a major new regional hospital?
- Will it initiate the planning for the supply of power, waste and water services as well as adequate road access to the potential sites of this major development?”
Commenting on his motion Councillor McGinlay advises his fellow councillors "I believe it is now an appropriate time, given the concerns of many residents in our community, to see some progress in moving towards the build of the new hospital, and for Council to become more proactive in the planning process to see what we can do to assist. The intent then of the motion is assure SNSWLHD of Council’s support and our willingness to work with them in their planning process, in a manner appropriate to our role, which may yet need to be clearly defined and understood, to make this hospital a reality sooner rather than later."
