Monday, 1 July 2024
The deadline for feedback on the Cootamundra Hospital draft Health Services Plan has been extended by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) amid a public outcry over the lack of community engagement.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said residents now have until Wednesday 31 July to have their say on the plan, which foreshadows changes to maternity, pathology, and surgical services at the hospital.
“During the last sitting week I gave notice of a motion in the NSW Parliament on the need for the MLHD to consult closely with clinicians and the community on the draft plan for the Cootamundra Hospital, so I’m pleased to see that the deadline for feedback has been extended,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke said it was important for the community to take advantage of the extended consultation period and have their say on the future of the hospital, adding it was equally important for the MLHD to proactively reach out to stakeholders and engage with them in a meaningful way.
“Like many in the community, I was completely blindsided by the release of the MLHD draft Health Services Plan for the Cootamundra Hospital. I was shocked, and dismayed to find that it contained proposed changes impacting the future of maternity, surgical and pathology services,” Ms Cooke said.
“Shock soon turned to anger as it became apparent that the community had not been adequately consulted in the creation of the plan. Unfortunately, a subsequent MLHD community information evening made it clear that the MLHD had no real interest in community input.
“From the beginning I have said the MLHD must go back to the drawing board and ensure that this crucial document reflects what the community wants, needs, and deserves,” she said.
For a copy of the plan, and a link to provide online feedback visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/get-involved/your-opinion
Collection boxes for handwritten feedback can be found at: the hospital, HealthOne, council, and the library.
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