Mr Windsor yesterday confirmed he’d lodged a Freedom of Information request to find out the truth about why the priority project was derailed.

He’s requested any emails or written correspondence between the Hunter New England Local Area Health Network, the state government, federal government and the Health and Hospitals Fund Advisory Board that concern the application for federal funds to redevelop the hospital under rounds three and four of the Regional Priority Round of the Health and Hospitals Fund.

“It appears that NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner blocked an application for federal funding to redevelop Armidale hospital – and then misled state parliament about it,” Mr Windsor said.

“Ms Skinner told NSW parliament that federal authorities didn’t give Armidale hospital a chance to resubmit an application in the final funding round – but she hasn’t produced any evidence to support her story.

“In fact, there were no restrictions on submissions and the commonwealth says no such statements were ever made.

“Indeed, if there is evidence that federal authorities denied Armidale Hospital’s application, it could potentially void that entire round of funding.

“Hunter New England Health identified the Armidale Hospital redevelopment as the top priority in the area, yet Ms Skinner failed to submit this recommendation for funding, and then she tried to cover herself by blaming federal authorities – but so far all the evidence leads back to her.”

Mr Windsor said local people deserved to understand why their hospital redevelopment had been blocked from applying for federal funds.

“We deserve to know whether the NSW Health Minister is playing political games with the health of local people to prevent an area with independent representation receiving federal funding that became available due to that very same independent representation,” he said.

“Hopefully, this FOI (Freedom of Information) request will unveil the truth about the NSW government’s behaviour in this matter.”