By Phil Herrick

Community demands for an emergency department to remain in Batemans Bay after the shift of hospital services from the Bay to the new Eurobodalla Hospital in Moruya was discussed at last Tuesday’s Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting.

Mayor Matt Hatcher suggested council take an advocacy role with the state and federal governments following the gathering of a record 18,000 signatures on a petition in favour of retaining an emergency department in the Bay.

Two Bay residents took advantage of the public forum to lay out their concerns around the closure of the Bay hospital, with one saying her family, some of whom have high risk conditions, would relocate to be closer to adequate health services after the hospital shuts.

The mayor found unanimous support from his colleagues, although Cr Alison Worthington cautioned council to stick to general advocacy for improved health services or risk stepping well outside its skillset by making calls for specific health related actions.

Cr Anthony Mayne made the point while there is broad support for the higher level of health services, the community disquiet in the Bay is a result of the removal of services currently available in the town.

The complete absence of any similar demands from the Narooma community, who have never had a hospital or emergency department and must travel nearly twice as far to Moruya for emergency care demonstrates his point.

The council voted to ask the NSW Government to prioritise construction of the Moruya Bypass to provide direct access to the hospital from the north of the shire and also increase ambulance services in the north of the shire when the new hospital opens.

The state government will also be asked to assess the need for an emergency department in Batemans Bay in light of the rapid demographic changes in the area and the uncertainty around construction of the Moruya bypass.

The Australian Government will be asked to extend the hours of the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic to 24/7 when the new hospital opens.