MP seeks public feedback on proposed health network shakeup

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay is seeking feedback from the local community on the shake-up of the NSW health network proposed by the government.
Hunter New England Health is the only area which would retain its boundaries in the planned expansion of the existing eight networks to 17.
“At this stage it is a discussion paper and I have been assured by the Minister that genuine community consultation has been planned before any final decision is made,” Mr Torbay said.
“Should this plan proceed I believe we should have additional local advisory groups within the network to represent the specific issues of both the New England area and the Hunter.”
The MP said he would discuss the government paper at a health forum convened in Armidale next week.
“Since the rationale for these changes is for greater local involvement I will be discussing with clinicians and the wider community their views on this plan,” he said.
“I will also be pressing for capital development for local hospitals and additional mechanisms to ensure local needs such as transport and access are included.
“This is an opportunity for our area to enter the discussion and I would like to hear from anyone in the Northern Tablelands who wants input into this process.”