The following is a statement attributable to the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke:
“I have been informed today by Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District that the promised Tresillian Residential Unit will no longer be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment.
“This involved the inclusion of two new inpatient beds as part of a dedicated Tresillian residential inpatient service, designed to support families in our community.
“To say I am devastated by this outcome is an understatement.
“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Health Minister Ryan Park to ask him to overturn what I firmly believe is quite plainly the wrong decision; one that has been made with no community consultation whatsoever, and no attempt at finding a compromise or alternative solution.
“I have been told that the reason for the decision relates to construction together with ongoing operational costs. However, this fails to take into account the social cost of not going ahead with what would have been an extremely important service for families across the Central West.
“This was something I fought incredibly hard for; having this service would have meant that new and expectant parents in Cowra and across the entire Central West region, would no longer have to travel to Sydney or Canberra for specialised support.
“I have been assured the services provided by the Tresillian Family Care Centre will not be impacted by this decision, and that there will be no interruption to the services they are currently providing to so many families in our community.
“I have received assurances from Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District, that there will be no further changes to the scope of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment project, and that the promised components of the Clinical Services Plan as it currently stands, will be delivered in full, and that the main works will commence in January 2024.
“I have spoken to Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan to inform her of this news, and to assure her that from my perspective, this is not the end of the matter, and as always I will keep the community updated on any new information as it comes to hand.”
Image: Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra with Rob Mills, CEO of Tresillian Early Parenting
