Today the Orange Base Hospital Medical Staff Council met with the NSW Health Minister, Ms Reba Meagher.  There was open and frank discussion of the key issues, and the Minister committed to improving the process of consultation with clinicians, involving them until the completion of the project, and to ensuring that the new hospital meets Australian Health Facility guidelines. Staff remain dedicated to ensuring that the new hospital at Orange is a quality health care facility.

Senior doctors will meet tomorrow with GWAHS CEO Dr Claire Blizard, developers and architects to start the redesign process.
The Medical Staff Council met last night to discuss the redevelopment plans for Orange Base Hospital and agreed on the following resolutions:

1. We call on the NSW Health Department and the Greater Western Area Health Service to develop new plans with direct input from doctors, nurses, hospital staff and the Orange community.

2. The new plans need to meet Australian Health facility guidelines. The plans must meet award conditions and OH&S standards for all healthcare workers. The previous process has failed to listen and respond appropriately.

3. The community of Orange and Bloomfield health services remains committed to the successful completion of a high quality facility. We will work cooperatively with the developers and the NSW Health Department.

4. The failings of the Bathurst Hospital redevelopment have affected health care delivery to Bathurst and Orange and we fully support our colleagues in their efforts to fix their hospital.

5. We welcome the NSW Health Minister’s acknowledgement of process errors. We welcome her commitment to meet with us today and address these issues.

The Orange Base Hospital Medical Staff Council wishes to thank the community of Orange and AMA (NSW) for supporting our position.