Peter Draper
Member for Tamworth has provided this response to the questions The Northern Daily Leader has raised in regard to the Tamworth Hospital redevelopment project.
I ASSURE you that there has been no change to my commitment for a new hospital to be built in Tamworth.
I have been unable to find the section in the State Infrastructure Strategy that says the redevelopment has been postponed. Perhaps you could provide me with details of the relevant section.
It is my understanding that a proposed starting date has not yet been specified as project planning is still underway, however I will maintain pressure on the Government to ensure the Premier’s commitment for construction to start during this term of the Parliament remains.
You would be aware that the 2008-09 Budget included a further $2 million to continue the planning process for the new Tamworth hospital.
David, I will be judged by the community on my ability to ensure this project is delivered, and I remain very confident that construction will commence as previously committed, during the current term of Government. I anticipate that construction will commence in 2010-11, but cannot be more exact at this time.
Planning a new hospital is a detailed process, and one that must be done properly, and consequently I am not prepared to force the planners into making hasty decisions. The Bathurst debacle is a clear example of a rushed process.
Building a new Base hospital in Tamworth to cater for the ongoing needs of the entire district is very different to constructing a small regional hospital like Narrabri, which incidentally was some 10 years in the process). As I said in my letter, we only get one chance to get it right.
I have personally raised this issue with the Health Minister and the Premier’s office on a number of occasions, and have been assured that the Government remains committed to this important project.
I would also like to point out that there a number of health related projects underway locally, including more than $3 million in funding to facilitate the construction of a new MPS hospital in Manilla, and $636,000 for a Pathways to Home Program at Tamworth Hospital. You would be aware that I am lobbying to gain Government support for a community campaign to construct an Integrated Rural Health Centre in Gunnedah.
The provision of radiotherapy services is an issue I have pursued in conjunction with the CWA, who raised it as an important issue several years ago. Construction of such a facility is very dependent on the availability of highly specialised medical and scientific staff to deliver treatments. I am unsure if you are aware of the difficulties in recruiting staff willing to work in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, but it is proving very difficult to attract suitably skilled practitioners away from the major teaching hospitals to work in regional areas. This campaign continues.
Currently, the Prince of Wales Hospital provides a fly-in consultant service to Tamworth, where a specialist radiation oncologist sees patients. Should radiotherapy be required, treatment is delivered at either Prince of Wales Hospital or Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle. I am not satisfied with these arrangements, as local people are forced to travel away from family and support networks at a time when they need support the most. I will continue to work on this issue, but it has not been an easy battle to win so far.
Regarding the Nioka committee, I have made strong representations to the Minister for Health on the importance of retaining the unit as a stand-alone separate facility. I have also secured a meeting for the group with the Minister and health bureaucrats on the issue. As a financial member of the Friends of Nioka, I am very aware of the group’s strong desire to obtain this outcome. I will continue to work on behalf of the Friends for the result we all desire.
Finally David, the construction of a new hospital in Tamworth was a long way down the list in the infrastructure plan when I was elected in 2003. It took almost four years of constant lobbying and pressure to have it brought forward, ahead of other communities’ redevelopment needs. I am determined to see it built, but it must be planned and delivered in the appropriate manner.
Peter Draper
Independent Member for
Tamworth