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Need is no-brainer
Jessica Clement
Thursday 1 May, 2008 12:01am
OUTDATED and inaccurate population projections are hindering the fight for a general hospital to be built at Morisset, Lake Macquarie State independent MP Greg Piper has said.
Mr Piper said Hunter New England Health data needs to be updated to recognise a forecast 82 per cent population boom in Morisset over the next 25 years.
Current statistics held by the organisation quote a growth forecast of just 11 per cent to 20 per cent. Speaking at a public meeting held at Dora Creek last week, Mr Piper said the Morisset Hospital proposal had generated significant support.
"We have an ageing population, a profile that demands we're going to have greater needs in this area," said Mr Piper. "It's a no-brainer we need a facility."
Mr Piper said Hunter Health was preparing a new Asset Strategic Plan for the south Lake Macquarie region.
"If this plan uses updated population forecasts there should be a better deal for Morisset," he said.
Information illustrating the dire state of health services in south Lake Macquarie was presented at the public meeting by Morisset Hospital steering committee chairman John Quinlan.
"Similar sized communities in the lower Hunter are serviced by community hospitals with inpatient facilities, but we have been overlooked," Mr Quinlan said. "At the moment the nearest hospital is at least 35km away (Wyong) and there is no access by public transport."
The south Lake Macquarie region is the fastest growing area in NSW for over-65s. The median income level of individuals and households is 20 per cent below the national average.
