Nurses tackle NSW Premier over plans to privatise Wyong Hospital
NURSES have confronted Gladys Berejiklian over plans to privatise Wyong Hospital during the Premier’s first visit to the Central Coast since taking over the state’s top job.
Central Coast
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CONCERNED nurses have confronted Gladys Berejiklian over plans to privatise Wyong Hospital during the Premier’s first visit to the region since taking over the state’s top job.
It came as Ms Berejiklian vowed to make the Central Coast one of her top priorities ahead of her first regional cabinet meeting outside of Sydney today.
The Premier was joined by all 22 NSW Government Ministers, along with the Coast’s community and business leaders, at Mingara Recreation Club.
On her arrival, Ms Berejiklian headed directly over to protesters from the local branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association who are fighting plans to privatise Wyong Hospital.
“We are very proud of the commitments we’ve made already in places like Gosford Hospital and we also appreciate the views that have already been expressed to me on Wyong Hospital,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“They are the conversations we need to have and that’s why we’re here. I think people in the region appreciate that we’re up here listening.”
NSW Nurses and Midwives Association regional delegate Michelle Cashman said she was “shocked” but “pleasantly surprised” to see Ms Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard approach their group directly today.
“It’s the first time the State Government has showed us any interest,” Ms Cashman said.
“I’m impressed by the effort that was made today.
“I just hope they are really listening to what we have to say. They need to listen to the community.
“We feel our patients will be compromised if they don’t have access to a public hospital.
“Wyong is a growing area. The hospital does need to expand, but not by privatising it.
“Let’s hope they continue to keep the door open.”
Ms Berejiklian said she was keen to see the Coast grow and fulfil its great potential.
“We need to have a conversation about making sure the city centres on the Coast have more development,” the Premier said.
“We also need to protect the suburbs and protect the coastline.”
Terrigal state Liberal MP Adam Crouch was thrilled to have Ms Berejiklian and all her ministers on the Coast.
“It speaks volumes for this government’s commitment to the Central Coast that the very first cabinet meeting outside of Sydney is being held in our beautiful region,” Mr Crouch said.
“We’re on the verge of greatness. And his government has unashamedly got its foot on the accelerator and we will not stop.”
Central Coast Council administrator Ian Reynolds also attended this morning’s meeting and said it was a positive and productive forum to discuss regional matters.
“It’s fantastic Premier Berejiklian chose the Central Coast as her first stop and illustrates our important status as a key developing region of NSW,” Mr Reynolds said.
“We are the only council in the state that is a region in its own right, putting us in a unique position to work with the State Government and ensure we move the Central Coast forward.”
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