Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has condemned Premier Chris Minns for failing to rule out the sale of David Berry Hospital in Question Time today.
Mr Ward has obtained correspondence from the NSW Government which says that the only two services currently operated at David Berry Hospital will conclude in 2025.
“This Premier is so arrogant. The former Government made clear it wouldn’t sell David Berry Hospital. Why won’t this Premier give the same commitment,” Mr Ward questioned?
“I’ve been contacted by staff who have been told that services are being wound up at Berry Hospital but the community haven’t been consulted. Where is the consultation with the community and staff for whom David Berry Hospital has very person significance?
In a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary for Health dated 22nd January, the NSW Government said:
“…it is anticipated that services including Palliative Care and Rehabilitation will continue to be delivered from David Berry Hospital until at least the end of 2025, when the relocation to Shoalhaven Hospital will take place. I trust you will reassure the community that they will continue to receive safe and quality care from the dedicated team at David Berry Hospital for many months until services arere located and expanded”.
“Is David Berry Hospital next on the list of government land set for sell-off by the Minns Labor Government? We know the NSW Government cut the palliative care budget last year; is this the reason for closing services at David Berry.
“I have had a gut full of NSW Labor cutting services to our community and sending the money to Sydney.
“From its cuts to planned upgrades at Bomaderry High School, its cuts to the rail-passing loop project on the South Coast Line, it’s cuts to the Regional Seniors Travel Card and back-to-school vouchers and now its closure and possible sell-off of David Berry Hospital, If the government wants a fight – it’s got one,” Mr Ward concluded.