MEMBER for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has committed to work together with the newly established Manning Valley Business Chamber Health Action Group.
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The purpose of the group as outlined by president of the Manning Valley Business Chamber Jeremy Thornton in the Mannning River Times on September 1 was to make sure “the health system in the Manning Valley is first and foremost in the minds of our politicians” and will seek to create a united voice in the Hunter New England Local Health District.
Attendees were surprised when member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead attended the meeting.
President of the Manning Valley Business Chamber and chairman of the meeting Jeremy Thornton asserted that Mr Bromhead was there as a ‘guest’ and not a member of the health group. Therefore he was to observe the meeting but was available to answer questions when asked.
Mr Thornton declared the group was not about “throwing sticks and stones”, it was about being “constructive” and the group should be “defined by the community.”
Taree businessman Alan Tickle agreed that the group’s purpose was to “walk alongside” our politicians and “not to beat anyone up”.
Towards the end of the meeting Mr Bromhead was increasingly drawn upon to comment.
He re-iterated that $20 million for stage one had been signed and committed, with only concept drawings completed thus far. He also said more money would be announced each financial year.
He explained stage one of the hospital’s development will involve moving the hospital services to the front of the building, to allow the other sections to be completed.
However it remained unclear to the meeting’s attendees and Mr Bromhead why $1.35 million had been allocated in the 2015 State Budget and what exactly this amount would be used for.
When questioned on response time from Hunter New England Health (HNE Health) and the Minister for Health Jillian Skinner, Mr Bromhead informed the meeting it was a 90-day wait for HNE Health and a six to eight week response from the minster, with a meeting required with the minister “nine out of 10” times after writing a letter.
The State member agreed to support a letter drafted by the Manning Valley Chamber Health Action Group to both HNE Health and the minster asking for a clarification of why $1.35 million was allocated, what will it be used for and in what time frame.
“We need to assist Stephen in getting the money,” said Pattie Hogan.