Unit closure will be two weeks sooner

Northern Sydney Central Coast Health has brought the date of the closure of Woy Woy Hospital's 15-bed rehabilitation unit forward to December 2, two weeks earlier than what was first proposed, according to Cr Jeff Strickson.

He has called on residents to write to Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews and NSW Health Minister Mr John Della Bosca to "voice their displeasure and disapproval" at the closure of the unit.

Cr Strickson said that neither Ms Andrews nor Mr Della Bosca had replied to a letter from Gosford Council appealing against the closure.

He said residents should complain about the lack of response.

Cr Strickson said council representatives had talked with Central Coast Health acting general manager Mr Greg Flint and divisional manager of rehabilitation and aged care Ms Sue McIver.

Cr Strickson said they were told that ratepayers were "very concerned and distraught at the proposed closure of the rehab ward at Woy Woy Hospital", Cr Strickson said.

Mr Flint said that he was making inquiries about the availability of other medical services not currently provided at Woy Woy Hospital, such as podiatry.

"Mr Flint stated that he would be requesting an opportunity to brief council on the 2008 Clinical Services Strategic Plan.

"We asked and were given an understanding by Mr Flint that all medical staff that might be affected in the closure of these beds within the rehab ward would be given the opportunity to be redeployed at Woy Woy and or other medical facilities within the Gosford and Wyong areas."

Cr Strickson said he questioned whether the closure was in part due to the cost cutting of "the State Government economic policy".

"This complete lack of compassion for the needs and requirements of the residents is at best deplorable and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency," Cr Strickson said.

Press release, 22 Oct 2008 Jeff Strickson, Gosford Council