Closure of Surgery Causes a Stir

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Media Release

Closure of Temora District Hospital Operating Theatre

In recent days, Temora Shire Council has been informed of proposed changes by Murrumbidgee Local Health District to the services offered at Temora District Hospital.

The effect of the announcement is that the Maternity Services provided would be downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2, meaning that caesarean sections and inductions would have to be carried out at Wagga, Cootamundra or Young Hospitals. Under the proposal, all surgery, with the exception of minor procedures would cease at Temora District Hospital from 31 August 2017.

This is a move that is totally opposed by the Doctors, Temora Shire Council and the Temora Shire Community. The retention of health services in our community is not negotiable. We recognise the importance placed on the provision of health services by our community.

Temora Shire Mayor, Councillor Rick Firman OAM, stated that “Temora and District Hospital is a wonderful facility staffed by dedicated professionals and supported by excellent medical practitioners who provide quality care of the highest standard. As a community we will not stand by and see such a vital institution run down”.

He added “In the past, Temora Shire Council has demonstrated the importance placed on health issues through the construction of Temora Medical Complex, Temora Medical Imaging and the development of the Temora Health Precinct. We need the support of Murrumbidgee Local Health District through the provision of services at Temora Hospital, to ensure our residents have the best possible health care”.

“Council has had meetings with relevant stakeholders in the past few days and the message we received was clear – the community will not accept the proposed changes to service provision at our hospital’ Cr Firman said.

As a result, the Temora Shire Council Health Matters Committee held a meeting and has resolved unanimously that:

1. Temora Shire Council seeks funding from the NSW Government for the immediate upgrade of Temora and District Hospital Operating Theatre to Australian Accreditation Standards for general anaesthetic procedures such as caesarean sections.

2. Seek assurances that the Maternity Services provided at Temora and District Hospital remain at level 3 not the proposed downgrade to level 2

3. Seek a commitment from Murrumbidgee Local Health District to provide ongoing training for clinical staff to maintain necessary skills