OVER 10 200 SIGNATURES COLLECTED FOR HOSPITAL CAR PARK

Tuesday, 08 November 2011 16:37

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

07 November 2011 

OVER 10 200 SIGNATURES COLLECTED FOR HOSPITAL CAR PARK

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has congratulated Kim Walsh, Rhonda Davis, Skye Dillon, Amy Cooper and Tara Adams on their commitment to our region.

Mr Anderson said, "These women have seen an opportunity to improve local facilities and successfully taken grassroots action to bring the issue to the Government's attention. It takes dedication, commitment and perseverance to collect over 10 200 signatures on a petition."

"I am amazed by what these capable women have achieved and look forward to lodging this petition in Parliament this week," Mr Anderson said.

"The Parliament's Standing Order 125A determines any petition that has been signed by 10 000 or more persons to be a matter of public importance and makes provision for its discussion in the Chamber."

Mrs Walsh and her team would like to thank all who supported the petition, both individuals and businesses. In particular I would like to acknowledge the support of Howels Pharmacy and Big W at Tamworth Shoppingworld.

"A few times the magnitude of the task was overwhelming and negative feedback got us down, but we kept on persevering."

"We knew it was a once in a generation opportunity to have a multistorey car park facility considered in the Tamworth Base Hospital redevelopment."

The redevelopment of Tamworth Hospital was a key election promise for the Liberals and Nationals. The Clinical Services Plan, which is over two years old, is currently being reassessed.

The project totalling $220 million includes clinical service priorities in the areas of medical; surgical (including perioperative/day surgery and short-stay); paediatrics; maternity and birthing; special care nursery; palliative care; emergency including emergency resuscitation; renal; dental/oral health; operating suite and recovery spaces; cardiac catheterisation laboratory (CCL); medical imaging; nuclear medicine and pharmacy.

"Parking is the Achilles' heel of all NSW hospitals. Now that the community has spoken the provision of suitable car parking facilities is high on the agenda and will be given the consideration it deserves." Mr Anderson concluded.

ENDS