“Someone, somewhere has to tell the people of Young if they’re getting a managed renal service, and if so, when,” NSW MLC Mick Veitch said.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Veitch said these were the two frustrations he was hearing from the people of Young over the loss of a promised managed renal unit.
The MP’s comments follow the response - or lack of - he received from NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner when he put forth a number of questions on notice in state parliament about renal services in the town.
Mr Veitch was compelled to ask questions when news broke at the end of March that the managed renal unit - initially promised for Young - was going to Cowra.
And with it came great frustration and disappointment from civic leaders, renal patients and community members.
Mr Veitch asked the minister whether any detailed budget was prepared for a fully staffed renal service to be located at the Young Health Service.
He also asked if the Murrumbidgee Local Health District advised Ms Skinner of any board decision to support locating a fully staffed renal service at Young and if she had received any correspondence from Young Shire Council regarding the renal service.
Representing Ms Skinner, Minister for Ageing, Disability Services and Multiculturalism John Ajaka said: “I am advised by the Minister for Health - Western NSW and Murrumbidgee local health districts are working together on the planning for the new regional renal dialysis unit, and have invited community representative from Young to join the planning team”.
Mr Veitch said he chose to put the questions “on notice” to allow the minister maximum time - 35 days - to gather as much information as possible to respond.
“I was after detailed information,” he said.
“Clearly the minister did not provide an answer… essentially it is a dismissal in the parliamentary process.
“It would appear it (her answer) relates to Cowra which has nothing to do with my questions.”
Mr Veitch said in no way was he criticising Cowra - rather he was speaking for the people of Young who “just wanted to know what’s happening”.
He said his next step now was to ask more questions.
Mr Veitch and the town are also still awaiting a response from Ms Skinner on the petition requesting to reverse the decision to not install the unit in Young.
Her response is due in two weeks, 35 days after Mr Veitch tabled the petition in state parliament.
