Forster–Tuncurry was promised an urgent care centre. Months later, locals still don’t know where it will be, what care it will offer, or when its doors will open.
Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson has slammed the Minns Labor Government’s latest answer on the centre, saying residents deserve to know when they will be able to use it.
“My community needs access to healthcare, and this latest response gives residents no certainty about when that care will be available,” Thompson said.
At a meeting in August, Health Minister Ryan Park told Thompson an announcement was only weeks away.
Months on, his office has advised that negotiations are in their “final stages”. There is still no opening date.
“In August, I was told an announcement was only weeks away,” Thompson said. “It is now November, and we are still being told to wait.”
“This is more spin from a government that should be delivering clear answers.”
On Wednesday, 28 October, Thompson wrote to Park seeking four key details: the centre’s proposed location, its service model, the funding allocated to it, and when it is expected to open.
The response answered none of them.
“I asked straightforward questions on behalf of our community,” she said.
“Those questions remain unanswered.”
Thompson said plenty of locals stand to benefit once the centre opens.
“For older residents, families with young children and people struggling to get a timely appointment, this service could make a real difference,” she said.
“Residents deserve to know where the centre will operate, what care it will provide and when its doors will open.”
Now she wants the Minister to spell out exactly what is holding things up.
“If negotiations are in their final stages, the Minister should explain what remains outstanding and give our community a clear timeframe,” Thompson said.
“I want this centre open and serving local patients.”
“I will keep pressing the Minister until our community gets the service it has been promised.”
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