Tuesday 27 October 2009

FEDERAL LABOR MP BACKS NSW LIBERAL POLICY FOR CENTRAL COAST HEALTH DISTRICT

Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today welcomed federal Member for Dobell Craig Thomson’s support for the NSW Liberal plan to create a separate Central Coast Health District if elected to State Government in 2011.

In response to a recent visit to the Central Coast made by NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner, on 14 October Mr Thomson was reported on page 5 of the Central Coast Advocate as saying:

“I call on Nathan Rees to make the same commitment to health services on the Central Coast.”

“It’s good to see Labor MPs recognising good policy,” Mrs Skinner said.

“Nathan Rees should start listening to the Central Coast community and fellow Labor MPs,” she said.

“Labor’s massive area health services have failed families, not just on the Central Coast, but right across NSW.

“Local communities, including their medical professionals, need a greater say in the running of their health services.

“The separate Central Coast Health District with its own Board will have the authority to ensure local health needs are better met.

“Health Districts will deliver health services run by locals, for locals, to better focus on the needs of patients rather than the needs of North Sydney bureaucrats. The Central Coast Health District Board will manage its own budget to meet specific local needs.

“Nathan Rees needs to stop being negative about health policy and start listening to the community and his fellow Labor MPs.

“If Nathan Rees doesn’t follow the NSW Liberal & Nationals lead in health policy, it simply proves he is incapable of leadership due to the scandals, infighting and stench of corruption surrounding his broken government,” Mrs Skinner said.