Given this, it’s worth reviewing how our elected representatives and leaders are responding.

JOHN DAL BROI (GRIFFITH MAYOR)

Immediately denounced the pathology downgrades as “disgraceful” and an act of “betrayal”.

Has pledged to work with the media and community to reverse the decision, and has been in regular contact with The Area News. Has contacted the NSW Premier and Health minister for answers, and has organised a meeting with them when they visit Griffith on 16 August. 

ADRIAN PICCOLI ( OUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE)

We have not heard directly from Mr Piccoli on this matter.  

We emailed his office for an updated on what he’s doing, this was the response:

“Adrian has made representation to the Minister and has expressed concern on behalf of the community regarding the proposed changes to the pathology service at GBH.”

“He has also asked the Minister to provide detail of the proposed changes as to how they would be considered to benefit the Doctors, Nurses and Patients.”

“He has also asked for a guarantee that there will not be a downgrading of pathology services at GBH in the future.”

“Adrian will talk about this issue with Minister Hazzard next week when Parliament resumes.”

Note: We are informed Mr Piccoli is currently overseas

SUSSAN LEY (OUR FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE)

We have not heard directly from Ms Ley on this matter.

When we emailed her office for an update on whether she had lobbied her state Liberal party counterparts on the hospital, the reply was:

“Although this issue sits primarily with the responsibilities of the NSW Government, Sussan is well briefed on these changes and stands ready to assist where appropriate.”

GRIFFITH CITY COUNCIL

Council unanimously endorsed a motion by councillors Dino Zappacosta and Anne Napoli that council formally put their support behind Dr Jaya and Dr Hopp who have spoken out publicly about the decision to downgrade histopathology and other services at Griffith Base Hospital.

A number of councillors condemned the decision and pledged to fight it with the community. 

GRIFFITH BUSINESS CHAMBER

Chamber president Paul Pierotti immediately denounced the decision as “an act of hypocrisy” and urged a community rebellion. He wrote to NSW Health pathology on behalf of the Chamber seeking answers and has in regular contact with The Area News.

Vice president Paul Snaidero also contacted us to express his disgust  and desire to fight to reverse the decision. 

BRAD HAZZARD (HEALTH MINISTER)

We have not heard directly from Minister Hazzard and are not aware of any media statement he has issued on Griffith base hospital.

WALT SECORD (SHADOW HEALTH MINISTER)

Has said “the official response to the [histopathology] closure issued by NSW Liberal-National Government is ludicrous and bizarre and straight out of 1984, Yes Minister and ABC TV’s Utopia.

“It is mindboggling that the Liberal-National State Government would try to argue that closing a service would improve the quality and care for patients.

“It does not make sense to close a service and say that it will be quicker to analyse the results in another location – almost 200 kilometres away.

“Cutting this service will affect patients and the treatment provided by doctors.”

For email contact details of elected representatives, visit the Save Griffith base hospital facebook page.

Griffith residents are urged to protest the hospital downgrades when the NSW cabinet comes to Griffith on 17 August. 

If you have further information or would like to express your view on the hospital downgrades, please email oliver.jacques@fairfaxmedia.com.au