President of Save Our Hospital Inc (SOHI) Sharon Tapscott is calling for state politicians to “make good their much publicised promise to fund the long term viability of Pambula District Hospital” ahead of a meeting with NSW Treasurer and member for Bega, Andrew Constance, this Friday, September 26.
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Mrs Tapscott who is also a member of the Pambula Health Service Community Engagement Committee, said that it was imperative that plans for the future of Pambula hospital were included in the budget process which starts in October.
“Our politicians have given a commitment for the hospital to remain open into the long term but the community doesn’t just want an open, but empty building,” Ms Tapscott said.
“We want hospital services too. Every community deserves that.”
There is currently no funding for the hospital after the new regional hospital opens in 2016 and while plans are being made for the future of Pambula hospital, Mrs Tapscott said she wants to ensure that it doesn’t become an empty shell.
Mrs Tapscott said: “It’s now time for our local member, Andrew Constance and Health Minister Jillian Skinner, to honour their commitment and fully fund Pambula Hospital for the future.
“By this we mean new funding dollars for Pambula Hospital – the community doesn’t want money to be simply taken away from the regional hospital just to prop up Pambula in the short term.
“The new regional hospital will serve an important, different purpose to Pambula Hospital and the community wants both hospitals to be fully funded.”
She said: “There is currently no budget allocation for inpatient beds at Pambula Hospital after the new hospital in Bega opens in 2016.
“Similarly, there is no current funding allocated to Pambula Hospital post 2016 for emergency presentations, or for people presenting with minor injuries and illnesses – or for minor surgical procedures.
“Equally important is funding to ensure enhanced ambulance services for the region post 2016.”
“Our elected political representatives have already committed to keeping Pambula Hospital open into the long term – it’s now time for action, and real commitment to specific projects – it’s now time to actually fund Pambula Hospital for the future.”
