NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton is backing the hospital push, which ERC wants as part of a broader health precinct.
“I have met with Edward River Council and listened to the concerns locals have regarding the hospital’s limitations and the need for investment in a modern, future-focused health facility,” Mrs Dalton said.
“I hand delivered the written position statement to the Minister for Health, Ryan Park, in the previous sitting weeks in parliament.
“I personally explained that the existing hospital is no longer suitable to deliver the full range of health services expected by a regional community and highlighted the opportunity to strengthen Deniliquin’s growing role in training rural doctors and health professionals.”
Mrs Dalton said it is critical that Deniliquin is not left behind when it comes to access to quality health care.
“I will continue to support Edward River Council and advocate to government that the hospital in its current state no longer meets the clinical, operational or infrastructure standards expected of a modern regional hospital,” she said.
“The hospital, in its current condition, has been added to in an ad-hoc manner over the years, and is a collection of buildings loosely cobbled together, which have been re-purposed and re-purposed over the years.
“It’s time the government continued its commitment to rural and remote healthcare and delivered quality healthcare to Deniliquin.”
ERC Mayor Ashley Hall said council welcomed the support from Mrs Dalton and was appreciative of her efforts to deliver its position statement to the Health Minister and explain the current hospital’s inadequacy.
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