Rouse Hill Hospital: Calls for an emergency ward at the new hospital

Fears have been raised over inadequate facilities at a planned $300m hospital as an MP calls for the inclusion of an emergency ward for the booming region.

A federal MP has called for an emergency ward to be included in the $300 million new Rouse Hill Hospital saying it is desperately required to meet the booming population in Sydney’s northwest.

Labor MP for Greenway Michelle Rowland has launched a petition calling on the NSW government to include an emergency ward at the new hospital saying it was “outrageous” that there were no plans to include one to date.

“This hospital has been announced and re-announced by the NSW Government so many times locals have lost count. The site is constantly changing, and there’s debate as to whether the current site is suitable,” she said.

“What hasn’t changed is that the Government has no plans to include an emergency ward. It’s outrageous that the only public hospital in Greater Blacktown with an emergency ward is Blacktown Hospital.

“Does the NSW Government seriously expect people living in Vineyard, Grantham Farm or Riverstone to rush to Blacktown Hospital during an emergency?”

Artist impression of the new $300m Rouse Hill Hospital

Ms Rowland also took a swipe at the state government for the delays in the much-needed hospital after promising it in the lead up to the 2015 and 2019 elections.

“Locals are telling me they are fed up, and to be honest, so am I.”

In the petition, she states: “The North-West is one of the fastest growing areas in Sydney.

“Despite thousands of new families calling our community home, Federal and State Liberal Governments are failing to plan for our future.

“The twice-promised new hospital at Rouse Hill will be constructed without an emergency ward.

Labor MP for Greenway Michelle Rowland has launched a petition demanding the NSW government to include an emergency ward at Rouse Hill Hospital

“That means for many local residents, the closest public hospital with an emergency ward is Blacktown Hospital.

“The time for false promises and neglect is over.”

The NSW government previously said the new $300 million hospital would provide “ambulatory care services” including diagnostics, observation, treatment and rehabilitation.

It comes just weeks after it was revealed the new hospital will be built on the same parcel of land as the $1.16 billion northern precinct residential development by GPT Group.

The new hospital will be built on the same parcel of land as the $1.16 billion northern precinct residential development by GPT Group.

A Health Infrastructure NSW spokesman said: “The NSW Government is investing $300 million in a new hospital at Rouse Hill.

“Negotiations to acquire the recently announced site for the Rouse Hill Hospital are currently underway. The project is on-track to start work in this term of government, prior to March 2023.”

When asked if the hospital would include an emergency ward, he said planning for clinical services has commenced.

“Scope for which clinical services will be delivered in the new hospital will be confirmed once planning is further progressed,” he said.