It’s now been one month since a Facebook post sparked a wave of protests across the MIA for better health services at Griffith base hospital.
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A diverse campaign across social media on the streets culminated in protesters chasing NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian across a car park to demand a new hospital in an area where one full-time surgeon and one anesthetist service 80,000 people.
Jenna Woodland, Save Griffith Base Hospital committee president, said there is much work to be done, but it’s worth reflecting on what can and has been achieved by a movement that has rallied thousands of people.
1] Pathology downgrade reversed
The decision to shut down Griffith base hospital’s histopathology services started the campaign.
The after two weeks of intense lobbying and writing to politicians, the decision was reversed – two days after a mass rally was announced.
2] Sterilising supplies shut down under review
Griffith base hospital staff also raised concerns about the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s (MLHD) outsourcing of the hospital’s sterilising supplies department to St Vincent’s Private Hospital.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has demanded a review on the controversial decision, sparking hope of another reversal.
3] Health Minister pledges new hospital building to start within two years
On Thursday 17 August, the NSW Premier said there would be a “new” hospital for Griffith, a marked change in language from a government who had previously only spoken of upgrades.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he expected construction to start in 2018 or 2019, and has personally intervened to tell the MLHD to consult the community and publish information on planning.
4] Social worker advertised, investment in new equipment
One hospital staff member has told The Area News they have noticed a “dramatic” change in the MLHD management since the protests started. After years of apparent neglect, hospital staff are being consulted for the first time, and funding set aside for a new CT Scanner.
The MLHD’s employment website has advertised a raft of new positions for Griffith – including a social worker. There is currently no full-time social worker employed at the hospital, and staff have been crying out for social work support workers for a long period of time.
5] Campaign has attracted national media
On Thursday, National Nine news and ABC covered the protest.
Two weeks ago radio broadcaster Alan Jones pledged to “crack a few whips” at help the Griffith new hospital campaign after being contacted by the Save Griffith Base Hospital committee.
Jenna Woodland said the next stage of the campaign is to push the government to come up with a full budget and written timeframe for the stages of building a new hospital. But she said the achievements so far are a reminder of why it’s important to get involved and keep the pressure on.
If you would like to express your view on whether the sterilising supplies outsourcing decision should be reversed, you can contact Minister Hazzard through his website or call MLHD on (02) 69339100 or email them on mlhd-feedback@health.nsw.gov.au