It was billed as the health consultation Goulburn had to have about its new hospital.
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But this week’s sessions organised by the Southern NSW Local Health District, fell well short. We do not say that as a criticism of hospital redevelopment project leader, Kerry Hort, (pictured) who hosted the meetings at Goulburn Library.
We say it because the Health District failed to address the question the community was asking when controversy broke about Bourke Street Health Service’s relocation.
That was, how can all those services be comfortably accommodated at the redeveloped hospital? We are still no clearer because the nuts and bolts of exactly what goes where haven’t been fully worked out yet.
Monday’s and Tuesday’s sessions were a repeat of information already presented to the media, community groups and the council. Yes, they were a chance to ask questions, and that’s always welcome, but queries about Bourke Street could not be directed to Ms Hort. Hers is a completely separate role, while Bourke Street comes under the Health District’s control.
For this reason it would have been helpful for CEO Janet Compton or a representative to attend and answer questions.
Instead, the sessions were a sham.
A total 12 people attended across two days, a reflection of the short notice given and probably their mid-morning and early afternoon timing.
None of this would be important if we had an ironclad commitment that Bourke Street would not relocate before the new hospital was completed.
Goulburn MP Pru Goward has said it would happen “over (her) dead body.” But Health Minister Jillian Skinner has not publicly made the same commitment.
In a letter sent to a Goulburn resident about Bourke Street’s move, Ms Skinner writes: “Ms Compton has also advised that the Health District will not proceed with relocation until all issues have been resolved.”
They are not one and the same thing so despite Ms Goward’s assurances, questions linger.
Nevertheless, the sessions fielded some useful input, particularly on parking at the new hospital, which will challenge planners. As we all know, there’s not enough now.
Council plans for the Victoria Park precinct, including an aquatic centre upgrade, will feed into this. Once again, consultation is key but it must be meaningful.