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The mayors of the Cootamundra electorate have been informed that there has not yet been a decision made in relation to the proposed closure of the Pathology Unit at the Cootamundra Hospital.

Local member, Steph Cooke MP and the electorates respective mayors, recently met with the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Dr Michael Holland, and discussed a range of issues. The main topics included discussion around the future of pathology services at the Cootamundra Hospital and the loss of services provided by Intensive Care Paramedics across the region.

“At the meeting the Parliamentary Secretary for Health advised that there had not yet been a decision made about the future of pathology services at the Cootamundra Hospital,” said Councillor Cr Abb McAlister, Mayor of Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council, “we often say that no news is good news, however in this instance I do not believe that this is so,” he added.

“My fear is NSW Pathology is continuing to prepare for the removal of services to the residents of the Cootamundra Gundagai region and that it is just a matter of time and an opportune moment for this to occur,” Cr McAlister said.

“I would again urge members of the community who have not signed the petition of the hardworking local member, Steph Cooke MP, to do so.

If we do not stand up and fight for these services, then we will be left with a lesser level of service!” continued Cr McAlister.

“The closure of Cootamundra’s pathology lab would mean longer wait times for critical diagnostic information and will ultimately compromise patient care, particularly in emergency situations.

We have already seen essential drugs and equipment removed from non-Category A and B NSW Ambulance stations and vehicles. This limits the ability of Intensive Care Paramedics to perform their duties and puts rural lives at risk. So that Intensive Care Paramedics can fully perform their duties we need the NSW State Government to reinstate essential drugs and equipment for all non-Category A and B NSW Ambulance stations and vehicles!

The NSW Government must ensure our community has access to the health services it deserves, and we need to show them that we are serious about our health services and sign the petition which are widely distributed,” concluded Cr McAlister.