February 11th 2010
HEAL spokesperson, Janet Mays has expressed concern at the recent spate of bed closures at Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital (BMDAMH).
“We understand that 3 beds have been closed in the Mental Health Unit since December 29th, 8 beds remain closed in the Rehabilitation Unit and a further 8 beds are closed in the Children’s Ward”.
“We are further concerned by reports that the switchboard and administrative functions at Springwood hospital have been closed and moved to Katoomba hospital and by the fact that maternity services have again been interrupted at BMDAMH. Whichever way you spin it, we are witnessing the decline of hospital services in the Blue Mountains”.
Ms Mays said that she was delighted to see a recent letter to the Gazette praising the staff and service provided by BMDAMH. “HEAL has always maintained that our hospital, if allowed to function, is fabulous. The described level of service (in the letter) needs however to be made available to all Blue Mountains residents. Sadly, for many Blue Mountains families, local hospital care is a thing of the past due to the nature of the health condition or the time of day that they require treatment.”
HEAL has requested a meeting with Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) representatives to discuss the current bed closures. “We keenly await advice from SWAHS regarding a meeting time and date. Our message to SWAHS is please work with the community and tell us what is happening at the hospital” said Ms Mays.
“BMDAMH is a vital part of the social and economic fabric of our community. HEAL will keep highlighting the issues at BMDAMH to help ensure that the need for locally provided basic primary healthcare services remains top of mind for our State decision makers”.
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