NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has dismissed a motion to split Hunter New England Health Local Heath District into two bodies suggesting the move would only “duplicate existing services, as well as stretch resources and capacity without solving critical recruitment challenges.
Mr Park’s response comes after a Bill was introduced by Barwon MP Roy Butler to spilt the District into two following a response he received from the Health Service, which he described as disrespectful, dismissive and often inaccurate, about the Wee Waa hospital.
Mr Park says enhancing the accessibility and delivery of healthcare across rural and regional NSW is his number one priority as Regional Health Minister adding the special commission of inquiry into health funding is looking into ways they can improve the governance of local health districts and the way they deliver healthcare.
It’s the second time a Bill calling for the split of the Health District has failed after former Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall tabled a 16,000 signature petition in 2023.
