Public Health First frustrated at invite to Sydney Parliament House with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park for Bowral Hospital discussions

Despite that meeting being publicly agreed to in NSW Parliament last month, PHF members say they have been left frustrated by negotiations around its details.

READ MORE:

"PHF in conjunction with Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan and Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman has for months been seeking an onsite meeting with the Health Minister," PHF spokesperson Peter Edwards said.

"And now almost a month later, after a commitment from him on the floor of Parliament, we are expected to go to see him at Sydney Parliament House."

ALSO READ: Public Health First lobby NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on broken Bowral and District Hospital promise

The committee head says the need for Mr Park to visit Bowral and District Hospital onsite is paramount to progressing the case of PHF.

"There have been several requests out for a clear explanation as to why the promised development has been scrapped," Mr Edwards said.

"How a busy minister thinks meeting with one individual will speed up a meeting of such complexity is not clear.

"Offering a meeting with part physical attendance and part Zoom is ridiculous in our opinion, and suggests that the government has little interest in moving on this matter," he said.

ALSO READ: Bowral and District Hospital raised by Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan in NSW Parliament, Health Minister Ryan Park responds

PHF say there was no proper consultation in the first place, before the refurbishment of sections of Bowral Hospital commenced. And without keeping the promise to come to the site, the consultation will not further the hospital's "plight".

"This new minister has the opportunity to correct a decision by the previous government to change the redevelopment as set out in the Clinical Services Plan and Masterplan to a questionable refurbishment of two buildings, one over 60 years old, the other over 90 years old, with no new benefits to the community and a cost of over $20 million," Mr Edwards said.

Southern Highland News approached the Health Minister for comment on Wednesday, August 30.

"As the community would appreciate, the minister undertakes numerous meetings with various groups and stakeholders," a government spokesperson said.

"Sometimes it is not possible for the minister to meet them at their preferred location.

"The minister has indicated to the group that he is keen to visit them, but it is not possible on this occasion, due to scheduling constraints," he said.

PHF told Southern Highland News the meeting invite was extended to just one person. However, the government spokesperson disputed this.

"The invitation to meet with the minister was extended to the entire group," he said.

"Virtual attendance options have also been offered to those who are unable to attend in person."

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here for the Highlands and here for the Tablelands. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.