The NSW Nationals have raised concerns around a plan to replace the emergency department at Wee Waa Hospital with an urgent care clinic.
Health Minister Ryan Park was quizzed about the move at a Budget Estimates hearing, after a similar service was opened in Goulburn but shut down due to staffing issues in just 10 months.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said locals are worried the model won’t work.
“Urgent care facilities operate successfully when they are close to a bigger hospital, but Wee Waa doesn’t fit the mould with Tamworth being its closest major hub which is two and a half hours away,” Mr Singh said.
“We’ve seen this tried and failed in other areas that were also struggling with health worker shortages, so it doesn’t make sense that the Government thinks this will be any different.
“The emergency department has only been able to operate during office hours, which is an extremely dangerous situation because emergencies don’t happen on a timetable and every minute counts in a life or death situation.”
Minister Park claimed the different geographical locations will mean different models, but gave little detail around how the Wee Waa clinic will succeed.
“During his estimates hearing, the Minister said the Government is engaging with the community about what the service will look like, but locals have made it clear they need and deserve 24 hour emergency care,” Mr Singh said.
“It’s good to see he is looking at the recommendations of the Independent Review but people can’t afford to wait and there needs to be some immediate intervention to help resolve this crisis including re-engaging with the Save Our Wee Waa Hospital group.”
