Hospital will be in Central Coast network

Woy Woy Hospital will fall under the Central Coast Local Health Network, one of 17 new health regions announced recently by the State Government.

The new Network is expected to operate from January 1 and will include Gosford and Wyong hospitals as well as Long Jetty Health Care Facility.

Under the plan, the Central Coast will no longer be included as part of Northern Sydney's health service.

The new networks will replace the eight current Area Health Services and will have their own budgets, management and accountabilities within their local areas.

They will be administered by a chief executive and governing council that includes local clinicians, health and health care management experts and community representatives.

Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Mr Chris Hartcher has welcomed the change.

He said the current Area Health system was "a disaster", with Labor MPs defending it for years.

"I'm just happy they've seen the error of their ways."

However, he feared Labor would try and fill the new Central Coast health board with Labor members and affiliates.

When the Central Coast health board last existed in 2004, a third of its members were Labor friends, affiliates and members, he said.

"It's an old Labor tradition to fill boards, committees and advisory councils with ex-Labor politicians, senior Labor staff and factional allies you want to keep quiet.

"After 16 years of Labor neglect, Central Coast health services need revitalisation and repair.

"We cannot afford to have that process wrecked by meddling Labor MPs."

Press release, 29 Sep 2010 Kristina Keneally, NSW Premier Press release, 1 Oct 2010 Chris Hartcher, Member for Terrigal