Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea has highlighted the NSW Liberals & Nationals commitment to give the public a greater say in running the NSW public health system.
The MP, who for 14 years was a non-executive director of a health fund, was speaking in parliament on the Health Services Amendment (Local Health Networks) Bill.
"This Bill, introduced by NSW Labor, overturns its own policy, which in the past has reduced the number of health service areas.
"In 2004, NSW Labor reduced the number of governing area health service networks from 17 to 8. At the time, the Government used some of the same rationale as it is now using to increase the number from 8 to 18," Mr O'Dea said.
"Here is a party which has clearly lost its way. However, it is pleasing to see there is now consensus between most health stakeholders that the NSW health system needs a flatter and more locally focused management structure that better utilises the expertise of medical practitioners, nurses, other health professionals and the community.
"More than 18 months ago, Shadow Health Minister, Jillian Skinner promised to replace Labor's huge and out-of-date Area Health Services with smaller Health Districts and appoint Boards, accountable to the communities they serve," Mr O'Dea said.
"The NSW Liberals & Nationals have faith in local communities and believe they should be involved in making the decisions that affect their area and their future.
Mr O'Dea has also taken NSW Labor to task on the planned Northern Beaches Hospital.
"I have asked the Health Minister written questions on notice about the impact, if any, of the new Local Health Networks on the delivery of the promised Northern Beaches Hospital and what are the latest proposed dates for commencing and completing the project.
"By contrast, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have made a commitment to begin construction of the new hospital within the first term of government," Mr O'Dea said.
"While NSW Labor flip flops on its health policy, the NSW Liberals & Nationals have a clear and enunciated health policy for the future of northern Sydney and the future of the state," Mr O'Dea concluded.
