12 December 2008

Surgery to continue at Bulli Hospital

Minister for Health John Della Bosca has released a report into surgical services at Bulli Hospital which recommended elective surgery continue after the traditional Christmas holiday shut down period.

Mr Della Bosca said he had asked the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr Andrew McDonald MP to conduct the review.

“Dr McDonald has done a thorough job in compiling this report, by speaking with surgeons and other medical staff at Bulli Hospital,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“He has advised me that the current facilities at Bulli Hospital provide a safe environment for staff and patients.

“These facilities will now re-open after the holiday period, resuming their current services, which include ophthalmology, ear nose and throat surgery and minor orthopaedics.

“I will be asking the Department of Health, in conjunction with South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service to determine the future of surgery in the medium term after the holiday period.”

Dr McDonald said that after speaking with surgeons at Bulli Hospital, most were in agreement that surgical services could not continue indefinitely at the site.

“After speaking with surgeons and medical staff, it became clear to me that eventually Bulli Hospital’s elective surgery will be transferred to Shellharbour and Wollongong Hospitals,” Dr McDonald said.

“However, this will not happen for some time, and the NSW Government will continue to keep in close contact with the staff at Bulli Hospital.”

Mr Della Bosca said the decision was good news for the people of the Illawarra.

“The NSW Government is about delivering better services, closer to home,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“Dr McDonald has identified a need for services at Bulli to continue after the Christmas period and I welcome that recommendation.

“I will continue to work closely with the Area Health Service and NSW Health to ensure any future changes to Bulli Hospital occur only after the consultation period and with minimum disruption to staff.”

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au