Rob Stokes takes on Brad Hazzard over Mona Vale Hospital’s emergency department
THE fight to retain an emergency department at Mona Vale Hospital took a dramatic turn on Friday with Pittwater MP Rob Stokes now calling on his own government to ensure it remains — here’s why.
Manly
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THE fight to retain an emergency department at Mona Vale Hospital took a dramatic turn yesterday with Pittwater MP Rob Stokes now calling on his own government to ensure it remains.
In an apparent bid to appease frustrated constituents — who have held a number of rallies to “save Mona Vale Hospital” — Mr Stokes called on his Cabinet colleague, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, to “consider what more might be done to make sure a strong emergency presence continues at Mona Vale”.
But it appears unlikely, with Mr Hazzard pointing out that a memorandum of understanding was signed by all peninsula state MPs 14 years ago to have a new hospital bringing “the best of modern health services” with Mona Vale to play a complementary role.
“I believe that we are delivering that with a range of services at Mona Vale including what is generally regarded as emergency care,” Mr Hazzard told the Manly Daily.
Mr Stokes attended last Sunday’s Save Mona Vale Hospital rally which called for the emergency ward to be retained. It is due to be replaced with an urgent care centre when Northern Beaches Hospital opens on October 30.
Mr Stokes said: “Over the past three months there have been strong calls from the community for enhanced emergency services at Mona Vale.
“My job is to listen to our community and take action.
“That’s why I’m calling on health authorities to make further enhancements to ensure an emergency department will continue as part of the redevelopment and modernisation of Mona Vale Hospital.”
Mr Hazzard said “since time immemorial” patients had been transferred to Royal North Shore for “high acuity medical issues”.
“Our new hospital is 20 minutes closer than North Shore and I believe that, at this stage, what is proposed is what is in the best interests of the community,” he said.
“Obviously, if Rob Stokes wants the issues relooked at, of course I will bring the health officials together and have further discussions.
“But I am not, at this point, in a position to make any change in the current structure. Obviously, as a lifelong local on the beaches I will listen intently to Rob and the community’s concerns and see if anything else can be done but there are no guarantees at this point.”
Mr Stokes cited the community’s passion to retain an emergency department as the catalyst for his rethink.
“While there is continuing strong clinical support for the proposed urgent care centre, the community has made it clear they want an emergency department,” he said.
“It has been strong community support that has ensured Mona Vale Hospital has been retained and strong community support empowers me to seek more from NSW Health.”
Save Mona Vale Hospital chairman Parry Thomas said it was excellent news that the local MP had acknowledged the need for a “genuine emergency department”.
“However, it must be backed up by operating theatres, intensive care unit and other interested services such as nuclear medicine,” Mr Thomas said.
“Doctors have also made clear that we must retain the maternity unit that was only recently refurbished and all other services at a level 3 standard.”