Members of the Save the Griffith Base Hospital have come out to strongly urge the community to have their say on the Clinical Services Plan as a matter of “do or die.”
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Brendan Catanzariti said the issues with the plan stem from a lack of consultation, not just with the Griffith community as a whole but with the clinician staff as well.
In response to calls for an open discussion with the whole Griffith community, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Jill Ludford said there has been ample opportunity for the community to have their say.
“The community is provided with feedback opportunities via their representatives who attend the redevelopment Breakfast Group which is arranged regularly to keep key stakeholders informed of progress and provide an avenue for feedback,” Ms Ludford said.
But Mr Catanzariti and Griffith Business Chamber president Paul Pierotti ask: Why did MLHD release the population review just two days before the feedback deadline?
“We as a community have not been given enough time to properly understand and give voice to our opinions in light of this new information,” Mr Catanzariti said.
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Sherene Blumer who has been activating to save the old Nurses Quarters says even though we have these representatives at meetings, the Griffith public is still being ignored.
“When major decisions that affect our City are not consultative or collaborative with no transparency, we deserve diminished outcomes,” Ms Blumer said.
“I wholeheartedly support a newer version of our hospital which has an ample site area that with clever design and master planning can achieve not only an outstanding hospital facility but we can save a historic building too. This is mutually beneficial outcome.”
Griffith resident Joshua Nadzielski commented to The Area News he though it was unsurprising and convenient to “see MLHD stating extensive consultation occurred and numbers are unadjusted just before closing dates.”
“Let's see who was actually consulted? Perhaps a meticulously selected panel provided with carefully scripted documents and figures, not privy to true demands. How does one come to the conclusion on the discrepancies between the clinician report and actual clinicians views?” Mr Nadzielski said.
However Ms Ludford said the Breakfast meetings take into consideration all community views.
“The Breakfast Group is comprised of members of Griffith City Council, Griffith Business Chamber, the Local Health Advisory Committee, Hospital Auxiliary, Member for Murray, Save Griffith Base Hospital Committee and GBH clinical staff.”
“GBH staff from all service areas have provided input and feedback in planning workshops and consultations, which will be ongoing as the project progresses,” Ms Ludford said.
Save Griffith Base Hospital committee member Jenna Woodland said it’s now time for the community to stand up and let their voices be heard.
“There have been several people speaking on behalf of the community, but now that isn’t enough: we need the community members as a whole to send their feedback and make themselves heard,” Ms Woodland said.
The final day for feedback submissions is Wednesday February 28.
View the draft plan here and send your feedback by emailing MLHD-FeedBack@health.nsw.gov.au.
See full MLHD statement below:
From Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Jill Ludford:
The draft Griffith Health Service Plan includes projected growth in inpatient and outpatient services, which will meet the revised population needs.
The main impact of the population review is in maternity and paediatric services, which had already been incorporated based on feedback from obstetric and paediatric medical and nursing staff.
The reviewed population numbers for people aged 50 and under does not change proposed operating theatre numbers.
“Flow reversals” for some surgery, where patients will have their procedures at Griffith Base Hospital instead of larger facilities such as Wagga Wagga, was incorporated into the projected need for surgical beds, theatres and day-only services.
We have also taken into account the two operating theatres and one procedure room at St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital, which will provide the health campus with a total of four theatres and two procedure rooms on completion of the GBH redevelopment.
The community is provided with feedback opportunities via their representatives who attend the redevelopment Breakfast Group which is arranged regularly to keep key stakeholders informed of progress and provide an avenue for feedback.
The Breakfast Group is comprised of members of Griffith City Council, Griffith Business Chamber, the Local Health Advisory Committee, Hospital Auxiliary, Member for Murray, Save Griffith Base Hospital Committee and GBH clinical staff.
GBH staff from all service areas have provided input and feedback in planning workshops and consultations, which will be ongoing as the project progresses.
MLHD will review all feedback on the draft Health Service Plan after the closing date of 28 February.