The NSW Parliament is set to debate the need for a thoracic surgeon at Wollongong Public Hospital following a notice of motion moved earlier this afternoon by Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully.
The move comes after the former Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner promised that a thoracic surgeon would be appointed to Wollongong Public Hospital following the completion of the Wollongong Hospital elective surgical services centre, which opened almost two years ago.
That promise remains unfulfilled by the NSW Government.
Mr Scully’s Notice of Motion says:
- The former Minister for Health promised the appointment of a thoracic surgeon at Wollongong Public Hospital in April 2014.
- Notes this promise has not yet been delivered.
- Commends Fay Campbell and Dr Phil Clingan for their continued advocacy on the need for a thoracic surgeon at Wollongong Public Hospital.
- Calls on the new Minister for Health to keep the Government’s commitment.
Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:
“The Government made a pledge through the former Health Minister to appoint a thoracic surgeon to Wollongong Public Hospital two years ago after the elective surgical services centre was completed.
“Now that we have a new Minister, I hope my Notice of Motion will refresh his mind that his Government’s commitment remains unfulfilled.
“A thoracic surgeon should be appointed to Wollongong Public Hospital as promised – no ifs, buts or maybes.”
“The work of Fay Campbell and Dr Phil Clingan should be recognised in their fight on behalf of our community to get our fair share of medical resources in the Illawarra.
“The elective surgical services centre has been open for almost two years but there is still no thoracic surgeon.
“I have always believed that if you make promise, you should do everything possible to keep it.
Mr Scully’s Notice of Motion will now be scheduled for debate on the floor of the Legislative Assembly for future Parliamentary sittings.
