Thursday, 6 June 2019
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall is today celebrating a win for people power alongside Uralla residents following the news that the Uralla Community Health Service will remain open.
Mr Marshall was outraged to learn earlier this week that Hunter New England Health (HNEH) intended to close the clinic, without any community consultation, due to asbestos in the current building.
Last night the local State MP received formal advice that HNEH had backed down on its plan, which would have seen vital health services and jobs ripped from the town.
“This is a wonderful win for people power and common sense,” Mr Marshall said.
“The Uralla Community Health Service provides important pre and postnatal support to mothers and services like wound care for the elderly – there was no way the community was going to let this vital service be taken away without a fight.
“I am relieved and delighted that HNEH has backed down and given a commitment that the clinic will remain operating from the Wood Street address past 1 July, until an alternative building for the clinic can be found in Uralla.
“I understand the asbestos in the current building poses a health risk and I’m looking forward to working with HNEH and Uralla Shire Council to find a new building for the clinic as soon as possible.
Mr Marshall sincerely thanked those in Uralla who raised their concerns with him.
“Without the community acting quickly to raise the alarm and then band together, this result would not have been achieved, let along so quickly,” he said.
“My office has written to the families who brought the planned closure to my attention, to let them know they can once again book community health appointments in Uralla.
“I look forward to working with HNEH Tablelands Sector Manager Catherine Death to find an alternate building.
“I will keep the Uralla community informed as the search for a new building for the clinic progresses.”