Andrews undermines rehab efforts, says Alliance

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has been accused of actively undermining moves to return a rehabilitation unit to Woy Woy Hospital.

She has applied for funding "to put other health services into our rehabilitation building", according to Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance liaison officer Mr Ivan Kinney.

Mr Kinney said that this was "subversive to our cause" and that members had "expressed their indignation to her in forceful terms".

He said Ms Andrews revealed her funding application to more than 30 members of the Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance when they staged a peaceful protest in front of NSW State Parliament in Macquarie St, Sydney, on June 1.

Alliance liaison officer Ms Ivan Kinney said the purpose of the trip was to make itself known to the State Government.

"As we alighted from the bus, Member for Gosford Marie Andrews emerged from within the parliamentary precincts and began to speak to us," Mr Kinney said.

"However, she was not well received by our delegation, as she revealed that she had applied for funding to put other health services into our rehabilitation building.

"We then moved to position outside the main gateway to Parliament House where our mission was publicised by word of mouth and by banners and placards.

"We made it very clear that we would accept no specious justification for the closure of our rehabilitation centre.

"We are being badly governed by our State Government and its Ministers at present, and we left no doubt that we will not waver in our resolve to restore and expand our local health services, no matter what government is in power.

"Gosford City is without rehabilitation services and the Wyong alternative it totally inadequate.

"Underlying the seriousness of our journey there was a fine spirit of camaraderie and optimism among our members.

"We all enjoyed being active in our cause."

Alliance member Mr Brian Neville of Woy Woy who was unable to attend the protest said it was disappointing and disastrous to see the State Government take an invaluable health service away from the Peninsula community.

"I have voted Labor all my life and to see them go against what the public want is unacceptable," Mr Neville said.

"I reckon if anyone can promise our local community that the rehabilitation unit will return to Woy Woy Hospital, State or Federal, then they will get our votes.

"Labor has really let us down badly."

As a double amputee, Mr Neville, 74, has used the services of Woy Woy Rehabilitation Unit on two occasions, once for a three-month stay.

The second occasion saw Mr Neville moved to Wyong Hospital after the closure of the unit in 2008.

He said the emotional and financial toll the trip caused his wife should not have happened when there was a fully operational and successful rehab facility on the Peninsula for so many years.

Mr Neville was interviewed by ABC Radio Central Coast journalist Mr Scott Levi on June 3 on his experience of Woy Woy Hospital Rehabilitation Unit.

Press release, 2 Jun 2010 Ivan Kinney, Woy Woy Public Hospital Alliance Clare Graham, 4 Jun 2010 Interviewee: Brian Neville, Woy Woy