Pittwater Life November 2018 Issue

SEEN…
While a headcount of 3,000 touted by some was more than a
touch exaggerated there’s no denying the spirit of the community
turnout at the Save Mona Vale Hospital rally last month.
Attendees called for the hospital’s Emergency Department,
Maternity and other acute services to be retained after the
opening of the new Northern Beaches Hospital on October 30.
Credit to Pittwater MP Rob Stokes for turning up and engaging
with a crowd that contained many less-than-flattering signs
waved his way.
HEARD…
It seemed no sooner had the rally dispersed that Mr Stokes pulled
on the pads and went in to bat for the most contentious of the
‘lost’ Mona Vale Hospital services – its Emergency Department.
“My job is to listen to our community and take action – that’s why
I’m calling on health authorities to make further enhancements
to ensure an Emergency Department will continue as part of the
redevelopment and modernisation of Mona Vale Hospital,” Mr
Stokes said. He added he had held talks with senior health officials
and Health Minister Brad Hazzard to investigate ways in which
“planned emergency medicine at Mona Vale Hospital might be
further enhanced.” He emphasised the new Urgent Care Centre
would fulfil a similar role to the existing Emergency Department
at Mona Vale, whilst specialist emergency services will now be at
Frenchs Forest, which was still a lot closer than Royal North Shore
(which ambulances currently convey patients to). Alas, Mr Stokes
appeared to be bowled first ball by the Health Minister, with Mr
Hazzard immediately shutting down the suggestion. Meanwhile,
Save Mona Vale Hospital Chairman Parry Thomas thanked Mr
Stokes for “finally acknowledging” the need for a genuine emergency
department at Mona Vale. “However, it must be backed up
by operating theatres, an intensive care unit and other associated
services such as nuclear medicine – which are all in place.”
ABSURD…
The ‘ghost town’ vibe about stretches of our villages, including
Newport and Avalon, with more shopfronts with ‘for lease’ signs
than we can recall. As we report on page 10, the local Chambers of
Commerce have raised concerns about high rents, increased Council
fees and ‘underutilisation’. The latter is perhaps a kind way of
suggesting local businessess could do with more support. How
about we all try to do our bit when we can?
News
The Local Voice Since 1991
NOVEMBER 2018 17