Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) have hit back at claims they are not being “transparent” in the controversial decision to demolish the Griffith Base Hospital’s Nurses’ Quarters building.
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MLHD Director Brett Thompson said they have answered all requests for information about the building and have been “open and transparent” in its dealings with the Save the Griffith Nurses Quarters Group.
“This includes any information on the former Nurses’ Quarters and the number and cost of rental accommodation for staff and visiting doctors in Griffith,” Mr Thompson said.
However Sherene and Grant Blumer and Neville Dwyer have written an extensive letter to the NSW Ombudsman detailing their dissatisfaction with both MLHD and NSW Health Infrastructure (HI) in regards to consultation.
They say the views and concerns of the community are not being “proactively sought.”
“In particular we are concerned that no effort has been made by NSW Health and MHLD to meet the obligations they have set in the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy Plan for NSW Health and the Local Health District,” the letter read.
“We increasing believe our concerns about the decisions and planning process for the GBH Masterplan and decisions to remove buildings...are seen by NSW Health as an unwelcome focus on them.”
“Where questions are put about their decision making process and how they justify those decisions without proper regard to the community … rather than responding in an open and collaborative way, are ignored, or they have become increasing agitated, angry and unhelpful.”
Mr Thompson hits back saying information had been readily available since Wednesday May 16 when it was posted online in the preferred Master Plan.
“The only information MLHD has not made available has been a request for individual addresses of staff accommodation….to protect the privacy of staff.”
While members of the community plan ideas in reusing the Nurses’ Quarters building, they have called upon Minister for Health Brad Hazzard to visit and discuss concerns with them “face-to-face”.
Mr Hazzard remains closed-lipped on the building’s future, indicating a review is underway and will comment after alternative proposals are considered – due Friday June 8.
Mr Thompson said MLHD and Health Infrastructure (HI) have:
- Released extensive reports about the viability of the building to the Save the Griffith Nurses Quarters Group.
- HI representatives have spoken on several occasions with Save the Griffith Nurses Quarters Group about the process, building reports and the costings involved.
- HI has taken Save the Griffith Nurses Quarters Group representatives through the Nurses’ Quarters and given permission for them to take photographs of the building.
- HI has taken Griffith Councillors for a walk-through of the building and given permission for them to take photographs of the building.
- The project team recently met with members of the public to help with their proposals for reuse of the Nurses’ Quarters.
- Conducted community drop-in sessions about the project including answering any questions about the Nurses’ Quarters.
- Hosted regular breakfast meetings briefing on the project which include the Local Health Advisory Committee, made up of local Griffith community members.
- Further opportunities for community consultation will continue to be available in the coming months.
Save the Nurses Quarters Group remain hopeful, as several other towns have had success in saving community buildings, after the former Mullumbimby Hospital site was offered to Byron Shire Council for $1 in May last year, after extensive community and Council lobbying.