Andrews moves to use rehab space

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has called on the State Government to refurbish "unused space" at Woy Woy Hospital.

Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance has described the move as putting "other health services into our rehabilitation building".

Ms Andrews said: "The relocation of rehabilitation facilities has made space available, which I believe should be put to good use.

"It is clear that the rehabilitation services that moved to Wyong Hospital in December 2008 will not be returning to Woy Woy Hospital.

"I am calling on the State Government to refurbish the available space at Woy Woy Hospital in order to improve services for our community.

"Woy Woy Hospital already provides an After Hours GP Services, general medical care, hydrotherapy and other specialised services.

"The available space at Woy Woy Hospital could be used to provide better community health facilities to benefit the Peninsula, particularly residents in nearby aged care facilities.

Ms Andrews said the soon-to-be released State Budget was a good opportunity for the State Government to provide funding for better services at Woy Woy Hospital.

"I have spoken to both Premier Kristina Keneally and the Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt about the need for better health services on the Peninsula," she said.

Ms Andrews said: "Collocating rehabilitation services with acute-care facilities, means less disruption and better care for patients by reducing the need for patient transfers.

"This has brought the Central Coast in line with the nationally and internationally accepted model of care for patient rehabilitation.

"A free courtesy bus has been provided between Woy Woy, Gosford and Wyong Hospital to allow relatives and friends visit patients.

"The bus is available Monday to Friday and bookings can be made seven days a week from 6.30am until 10.00pm."

Press release, 31 May 2010 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford