Hundreds of people rally to ‘save Mona Vale Hospital’ ahead of emergency department’s closure
HUNDREDS of people attended a public rally to “save Mona Vale Hospital” ahead of the closure of its emergency department at the end of this month.
Manly
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HUNDREDS of people attended a public rally to “save Mona Vale Hospital” ahead of the closure of its emergency department at the end of this month.
Protesters wielding picket signs taking aim at the State Government’s decision to replace the emergency department with an urgent care centre took to the Mona Vale Village Green from 11am on Sunday.
The department’s closure has been justified by the Government due to the planned opening of the Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest on October 30.
Parry Thomas - chairman Save Mona Vale Hospital said the protest sent a strong message.
“I thought the day was an outstanding success with a huge crowd - despite the 100mm of rain overnight and into the morning,” Mr Thomas said.
“The rally sent a unanimous and unambiguous message to our local member and the Minister for Health that the community will accept nothing less than the retention of acute services at Mona Vale Hospital.
“We’re happy to sit down with the government to discuss the appropriate mix and level of these (services).”
The protesters then marched to Mona Vale Hospital.
The event coincided with the closure of Wakehurst Pkwy - a major arterial road connecting the northern end of the peninsula to the city - due to flooding.
Travel time, and ease, to Frenchs Forest has been a major focal point for those rallying against the closure.
Some took to social media to vent their frustration, with Van Rad addressing Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Twitter.
“Did you notice that Wakehurst Pkwy is closed? Once you shut down Mona Vale Hospital days like this could mean someone from the northern beaches dies trying to access urgent health care,” the Tweet said.
“We need Mona Vale Hospital to remain.”
Pittwater MP Rob Stokes attended the rally and listened to the concerns.
“It was a strong turnout, it was great to see so much passion for both Mona Vale Hospital and for local health services more general,” he told the Manly Daily.
“I have no doubt it is that spirit that has meant the community still has Mona Vale Hospital.
“There was a recognition from the rally’s organisers that the hospital was staying, I was pleased to see that.
“Their complaint is now one of level of service to be provided to the hospital.”
Mr Stokes said he was “always happy to engage on ways to improve local health services”.
He stressed that those seeking urgent medical treatment would still be able to continue to present at Mona Vale.
“If there is a life threatening emergency ambulance services will take you to the new hospital at Frenchs Forest.”