Nationals Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, says the local community has been blindsided by Western NSW Local Health District’s decision to move the Panorama Clinic from Bathurst to Orange.
The Clinic offers intensive support for people experiencing significant mental distress.
The fear is that if the clinic moves from Bathurst to Orange, while Bathurst Hospital is redeveloped, it will not return.
Paul Toole says the potential move affects people not just in Bathurst, but in Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney, and Kandos-Rylstone.
He said the most vulnerable may be in a dark place, and need the assistance of the Panorama Clinic that is easily accessible in Bathurst.
“One in three people will need mental health services in their life. By taking it away to Orange, they have said ‘people will die,’” Mr Toole said.
Mr Toole has joined enraged community leaders to voice their anger and disappointment.
“We have been blindsided by this decision but we will continue to stand up for those in the community who are at their lowest and need access to this life-saving service.
“It is hard enough to ask for help, let alone make a 45 minute journey to then seek help. Staff are already considering resigning and the community clearly hasn’t been listened to.”
“As recent as six days ago we were assured no decision had been made. Meetings were promised, letters were not responded to and invites to see this great service in person were ignored. We are utterly disappointed that the WNSWLHD, the Minister for Mental Health and the NSW Labor Government would treat the community with this much disregard for their concerns and ignore their pleas to keep the service in Bathurst.”
