Gulgong to retain emergency care services: Coulton
26-August-2010
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed an announcement by NSW Health it will continue providing emergency services at Gulgong Hospital following its closure tomorrow.
Mr Coulton said that despite the closure of the facility Emergency Care Services will be run at the hospital until preparations are completed to move to a site in the town’s main street.
Ambulance services will continue to take patients to the hospital in the event of an emergency.
“It is also encouraging to see that patients with severe and urgent conditions will have beds allocated to them at Mudgee Hospital,” he said.
“While this situation is far from ideal it does mean that Gulgong residents will have access to vital emergency care until the MPS is completed.”
Mr Coulton said he would seek an urgent meeting with the new Federal Health Minister once government has been formed in a bid to fast-track the construction of an MPS.
“I will be speaking with the new Health Minister as soon it becomes apparent who that may be and I will be seeking an immediate commitment for the Federal Government to fund an MPS in Gulgong,” he said.
“At the recent health rally in Gulgong Nationals leader Warren Truss made a firm commitment that should the Coalition win government then funding for an MPS would be forthcoming, and that commitment must also be matched by Labor should they be returned.
“While it is encouraging that Gulgong residents will have temporary access to emergency care services in the interim, it is absolutely vital that we all keep the fight going until the town is serviced by an MPS.”