Public hearings into Barwon MP Roy’s Butler’s Bill to split Hunter New England Health have been an important step towards better health services for local people, according to Mr Butler.
Mr Butler is thanking local people who shared their stories and the MPs who visited Narrabri and Tamworth to listen to them, as part of the Committee on Community Services Public Hearings in Narrabri on Tuesday and Tamworth yesterday.
“I appreciate all of those who took the time to prepare submissions and speak publicly with visiting NSW MPs about their experiences with Hunter New England Health,” Mr Butler said.
“I’m pleased the work I’ve been doing to find solutions has given local people a platform to share their experiences directly with representatives of NSW Parliament.
“We are currently working on an Implementation Plan to return full services at Wee Waa Health Service, with a Public Meeting on 25th August to discuss the plan with the community. I invite participants to RSVP through my website.
Public hearings into splitting Hunter New England Health were held at Narrabri and Tamworth this week (Image: Roy Butler).
“My Bill to split Hunter New England Health has identified gaps in service delivery across country areas of Hunter New England Health, and I look forward to seeing the Committee’s recommendations to resolve them.
“Whether a full split of Hunter New England Health is recommended or not, I certainly believe country people would benefit from some of the management in Newcastle being reallocated to Tamworth.
“I would also like to see full financial transparency across Hunter New England Health, so that we can see where the money is being spent and how the services in each town compare,” Mr Butler said.
