Dr Holland has responded

Dear Mr Ryan

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the Don’t Close Batemans Bay Hospital Emergency Department petition.

The petition was presented to the Clerk of the NSW Legislative Assembly by Mr Mark Speakman on 9^th May 2024.

A written response was provided to the Clerk of the NSW Legislative Assembly by the Honourable Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health, and Minister for Regional Health on 12^th June 2024.

I attach a copy of the Minister’s response.

The petition was debated in the NSW Legislative Assembly on 20^th June 2024 and the petition was noted.

The Minister’s response clearly explains the current situation with the development of the new level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, the provision of the $20 million Eurobodalla Community Health Centre, and the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic.

You will be pleased to know that bulk site excavations and concrete footings have been completed on the site of the new $330 million level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in preparation for laying of the first concrete slab. This indicates excellent progress towards the opening of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in 2027.

Equally, the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic has seen over 10,000 patients in the 12 months since opening. The Clinic will be operating extended hours over the 2024-2025 holiday period.

Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore, has also commenced a petition to the Federal Government for continued extended hours of operation and an increased level of service capability at the Batemans Bay Urgent Care Clinic.

I am sorry that you have not received a copy of the petition response, however, as you elected to present the petition to Mr Speakman, I believe that he carried the responsibility to follow this through on your behalf.

Finally, as they are not Parliamentary bills, petitions are not provided to the NSW Legislative Council for consideration.

I encourage you to consult the Parliament of NSW website at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au for further information regarding Parliamentary processes.

I have attended several community health service consultation sessions with representatives of SNSWLHD. These will continue at further locations in the New Year.

I look forward to continuing to engage with the constituents of the Eurobodalla, including the Batemans Bay residents, regarding further health developments in the Eurobodalla.”

Regards

Dr Michael Holland MP

Member for Bega