Constance backs community's call for level 4 health services

On Wednesday, November 10, Mr Constance shared an update on his Facebook page, saying he spoke with the NSW Health Minister and Premier: "to make it crystal clear that our community will not accept anything other than a Level 4 hospital at opening."

A week earlier, the community presented a petition to the government, calling for a tier four service to be operating by 2023.

The community was most concerned the NSW Government's planning of clinical services would be inadequate to meet the demand or predicted population growth of the region.

ONE New Eurobodalla Hospital campaign advocate and obstetrician, Dr Michael Holland, feared the new hospital will not be fit for capacity or function after changes to the clinical services plan.

An ICU, maternity services and staffing were some main areas of concern.

At the petition event, Dr Holland said the government needs to recruit GPs and specialists now to see the new hospital open its doors as a level 4 service.

RELATED: 'Open the door with level 4' - Community calls for better health services ahead of new hospital

Mr Constance thanked Dr Holland for his support and said he would "chase more dollars despite securing the $200 million".

Mr Constance said he would fight for level 4 services and pressure the government to engage with specialists.

"The NSW Government must engage with intensivists immediately and over the next three years so we have ICU running the moment the new hospital is open," he said.

"The ICU is key for all other services to be provided at the hospital.

"Whist the ICU is in the clinical services plan, I will continue to be positive about the $200 million-plus hospital that's being delivered."

He said cancer services, MRI, and maternity were also needing further review as part of the service planning, with the final business plan expected in February.

"If people don't think it can become a reality please look to the hospitals that the NSW Government contracted and built in Bega, Wagga and in many communities across regional NSW since we were first elected," he said.

"Eurobodalla Regional is a massive and exciting project for our community!"