Hopefully the much promised & long awaited redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital will begin under the NSW Minns Labor Government

Since 2011 successive NSW Coalition Governments had been making promises about upgrading or redeveloping Grafton Base Hospital.

Having received $19 million in 2010-11 from the federal Rudd Labor Government a new emergency department & operating theatres were eventually built largely due to community pressure and effective lobbying by the then NSW Labor Member for Clarence.

However, by 2018 the NSW Berejiklian Coalition Government was only promising to spend $263.8 million to achieve the much needed larger redevelopment.

Half promises to this effect began to appear in December 2018, while the then Nationals MP for Clarence made repetitive promises during the following year 2019 - after which he rather ignored the growing unmet need for public hospital health services in the Clarence Valley unless cornered by local media for comment.

As late as 25 January 2023 the junior partner in the NSW Perrottet Coalition Government was still promising that substantial rebuild in this election promise similar to the one made in 2019:

Regional Health and Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, Nationals’ Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, and Nationals’ candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson have announced a major step forward in the $264 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

So it comes as something of a relief that the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital appears to have moved on from promises towards concrete build planning.

NSW Health, media release, 8 January 2025:

A healthy future for the Old Grafton Gaol

08 January 2025

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.

In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.

Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.

The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state’s Heritage Register in 1999.

The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated.

Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.

For more information visit: Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.

“This multi-million dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic.

“This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state’s key former correctional centres.

“Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Grafton and Clarence communities as it secures the future use of this historic site, which will really benefit the local residents.”

Concept designs unveiled for Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment

It was a busy 9 days for police in Northern Rivers police districts - real gun, toy gun, bungled bank robbery, stabbing death, two-state police pursuit, domestic violence, police shooting, vehicle crashes whist fleeing, tourist lost in bushland

 

NSW Police News

Critical incident declared following pursuit and crash - Coffs/Clarence PD

Thursday, 12 December 2024 12:30:09 PM

A critical incident investigation has been declared following a police pursuit and crash near Coffs Harbour today.

About 7.45am (Thursday 12 December 2024), police were patrolling the Pacific Highway at Tucabia – about 15km east of Grafton – when they attempted to stop a vehicle due to its alleged speed.

When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated; however, was soon terminated due to the manner of driving.

A second pursuit was initiated a short time later, before the car allegedly conducted a U-turn at Dirty Creek into the path of an oncoming truck, resulting in a collision.

The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man, was treated at the scene by police and NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the truck, a 50-year-old man, was not injured; however, was taken to Grafton Hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene has been established and the scene will be forensically examined by the Crash Investigation Unit.

A critical incident team from Mid North Coast Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

As inquiries continue, anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Pacific Highway at Dirty Creek is expected to remain closed northbound for some time.

Diversions are in place and delays are expected. For traffic updates visit: www.livetraffic.com

Missing hiker located safe - Tweed/Byron PD

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 03:05:35 PM

A missing hiker has been located safe on the state's far north coast.

The 54-year-old was believed to have been hiking at Wollumbin when he was last heard from about 9.30pm on Saturday 7 December 2024.

Police were told that the man spoke with a friend that night, indicating he was lost in the Wollumbin National Park.

When he was unable to be contacted on Sunday (8 December 2024), police attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Officers, with assistance from NSW and Qld PolAir, NSW Police Rescue, NSW Ambulance, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW SES, RFS and VRA conducted an extensive search.

Following inquiries, about 12:35pm today (Wednesday 11 December 2024, the man was located on Tyalgum Road, Tyalgum, after walking out of bushland.

He was taken to Murwillumbah Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor lacerations.

Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Critical incident declared after man shot - Grafton

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 10:56:02 AM

A critical incident investigation is underway after a man was shot by police in the states far north coast this morning.

About 6.30am (Wednesday 11 December 2024), officers attached to the Coffs/ Clarence Police District were called to a park on Ryan Street, Grafton, responding to reports of a concern for welfare.

On arrival, police located and attempted to engage with a man.

The man allegedly approached police and threatened them with a knife before he was shot by police.

The officers immediately rendered first aid until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The man was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable but serious condition.

The police officers were not physically injured.

A critical incident team from Richmond Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is also subject to an independent review.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged over alleged stabbing and pursuit - Northern Rivers

Sunday, 08 December 2024 08:18:59 AM

A man will appear in court today via audio visual link after being charged following an alleged stabbing and pursuit in the Northern Rivers.

Emergency services were called to Ballanda Crescent, Iulka, about 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday 7 December 2024), following reports a man armed with a knife had allegedly forced his way into a home and attacked the resident.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the 58-year-old man died at the scene.

A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced into the circumstances surrounding his death.

A short time later, police attempted to stop a man driving a 4WD ute north along the Pacific Highway.

When the driver allegedly ignored police directions, a pursuit was initiated and continued north from Iluka to Woodburn, where road spikes were successfully deployed by officers attached to Coffs Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.

The ute continued to Uralba Street, Woodburn, where a 41-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Hospital for assessment, before being taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with murder, predatory driving and police pursuit-not stop-drive dangerously.

He was refused bail and will appear via audio visual link today in Parramatta Local Court.

Man charged over alleged DV and pursuits in Northern NSW

Saturday, 07 December 2024 07:18:56 AM

A man will appear in court today after being charged over an alleged domestic violence incident and a number of police pursuits in the state’s Northern Rivers.

On Sunday 17 November 2024, Richmond Police District commenced an investigation following an alleged domestic violence incident.

An arrest warrant was issued for a 22-year-old man.

Officers will allege in court the man engaged in pursuits on Monday 18 November 2024, Monday 2 December 2024 and Wednesday 4 December 2024 in a bid to avoid arrest.

About 5:45pm yesterday (Friday 6 December 2024), the 22-year-old was located traveling south on the M1 Motorway, Tweed Heads in a four wheel drive.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later, the four wheel drive exited the motorway at Minjungbal Drive, Banora Point and allegedly collided with a sedan which was stopped at traffic lights, pushing the stationary vehicle into a marked police car travelling in the opposite direction.

The 22-year-old man allegedly abandoned the four wheel drive and forcibly removed a male rider from a moped, before driving off.

The man allegedly drove at police vehicles on the M1, before falling off the bike and attempting to run from the scene.

He was arrested by officers and taken to Tweed Heads Police Station and charged with:

• Reckless grievous bodily harm (DV);

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm);

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period;

• Drive conveyance taken wihtout consent of owner;

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Destroy or damage property;

• Not give particulars to other driver;

• Assault with intent to take/drive motor vehicle - Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous;

• Police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously;

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 7 December 2024).

Appeal to locate men wanted on warrants - Coffs-Clarence Police District

Friday, 06 December 2024 06:03:46 PM

Please note: Images of the wanted men are available on Coffs-Clarence Police District’s Eyewatch social media site.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate two men wanted on outstanding arrest warrants by Coffs-Clarence Police District.

Richard Carey, aged 37, and Dray Riley, aged 26, are wanted on outstanding warrants for domestic violence offences.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District are conducting inquiries into their whereabouts.

Richard is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm-180cm tall, of solid build, with black hair and facial hair, and blue eyes.

Dray is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm-180cm tall, of thin build, with black hair and facial hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees the men is urged not to approach them but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged after allegedly pointing gun at officer - Tabulam

Friday, 06 December 2024 10:40:33 AM

A man will face court today after he allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a police officer following a pursuit in the state’s far north east.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attempted to stop a car due the alleged manner of driving in Tabulam about 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024).

When the male driver allegedly failed to stop, police initiated a pursuit.

The driver stopped in Alice and when an officer attempted to arrest the man, he allegedly pointed a loaded pistol at the officer.

The officer discharged his Taser and the man was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized drugs, cash, ammunition and magazines, a balaclava, large machete and other drug paraphernalia.

The 24-year-old man was taken to Casino Police Station and charged with 17 offences:

> Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly

> Possess unauthorised pistol

> Possess unauthorised firearm

> Possess loaded firearm public place

> Use, supply, acquire, possess stolen firearm or part

> Use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention

> Possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority

> Assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm

> Hinder or resist police officer in execution of duty

> Supply prohibited drug

> Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period

> Drive while licence cancelled

> Custody of knife in public place

> Two counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime

> Two counts of goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not motor vehicle).

He was refused bail to appear at Casino Local Court today (Friday 6 December 2024).

Police will allege in court the pistol was stolen from a business in Armidale in September 2024.

Man charged after allegedly threatening staff with toy gun - Ballina

Friday, 06 December 2024 08:42:09 AM

A man has been charged after allegedly threatening bank employees on the states far north coast yesterday.

Police were told about 11am (Thursday 5 December 2024), a man entered a financial institution on River Street, Ballina, and allegedly threatened staff before showing an employee what appeared to be a firearm.

The man left and walked across the road to another financial institution where it is alleged he again threatened staff before showing the employees what was believed to be a firearm.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended and arrested a 36-year-old man a short distance away on River Street, Ballina.

Police searched the man when they located a toy gun.

The man was taken to Ballina Police Station and charged with two counts stalk / intimidate intend fear physical harm.

He was refused bail and appeared before Ballina Local Court yesterday (Thursday 5 December 2024) and is now bail refused, to appear before the same court on Thursday 23 January 2025.

Man charged over alleged pursuit - Far North Coast

Wednesday, 04 December 2024 12:51:03 PM

A man will face court today charged over an alleged pursuit on the Far North Coast yesterday afternoon.

About 2.10pm yesterday (Tuesday 3 December 2024), officers attached to Tweed/Byron Police District were alerted by Queensland Police that an SUV – which was allegedly driving dangerously - had entered NSW near Tweed Heads and was being driven south along the M1.

NSW Police intercepted the SUV a short time later on the M1 at Cudgera Creek and attempted to stop the vehicle.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing south where road spikes were deployed.

The tyres deflated and the vehicle came to a stop on the M1 at Wardell where a 31-year-old Queensland man was arrested.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, learner not accompanied by driver/police officer/tester, class A motor vehicle exceed speed greater than 45km/h - estimated, drive vehicle under influence of drugs, refuse or fail to submit to breath test, and refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis.

He was refused bail to appear before Lismore Local Court today (Wednesday 4 December 2024).

Locums, agency staff and volunteers are the face of public hospital health care in the NSW Northern Rivers region in 2023-2024

 

Clarence Valley independent, 13 December 2023:

Staff shortages amongst doctors, nurses, and specialists on the north coast has seen the Northern NSW Local Health District spend $148 million in the 2022-2023 financial year on agency staff.....

In July 2023, The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that NSW Health was spending about $1 billion annually on temporary health workers, with $148 million spent on locum doctors who are paid up to $4000 a day, while working in under resourced regional hospitals.

Northern NSW Local Health District NNSWLHD Chief Executive, Tracey Maisey said the past few years have been challenging, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and bushfire emergencies.

“Despite these challenges our staff have succeeded in delivering high quality and positive outcomes of care,” she said.

“When vacancies exist, NNSWLHD engages agency medical and nursing staff to supplement the permanent workforce across the District.

“The 2022 floods had a significant impact on local communities and our local workforce, and agency staff played an important role in supporting our services throughout this period.

“In the 2022-23 financial year, the costs associated with our agency workforce totalled $148 million.”

The $148 million spent in the 2022-23 financial year on locum staff equates to about 13 per-cent of the Northern NSW Local Health District NNSWLHD annual budget, with more than $68 million paid in wages and $16 million spent on accommodation for these staff.....

Recruitment of staff is ongoing.

“An overseas nursing recruitment program conducted earlier in 2023 is bolstering local nurse numbers, with the first of 60 new nurses already settling into their roles at hospitals across the District,” Ms Maisey said.

“In partnership with our staff and expert external support we have developed a comprehensive recruitment campaign, and there are recruitment and retention incentives for critical roles.

“We are supporting the retention of existing staff by assisting eligible staff on temporary contracts to transition to permanent employment and are working with our facilities to support them to improve internal recruitment processes and timeframes.

“We have also increased our new graduate nursing numbers, as well as offering permanent positions rather than traditional fixed term contracts.”

The Northern NSW Local Health District board has also looked at the issue of creating a volunteer arm in its service provision and in November 2023 issued a media release which stated in part:

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is calling for community members to join the Healthcare Helpers volunteer program, with a range of roles available in health facilities for 2024.

Applications are now open for volunteer roles supporting patients, visitors and healthcare staff in facilities in Tweed, Nimbin, Ballina, Lismore, Maclean, Grafton, Bonalbo, Urbenville and Kyogle.

NNSWLHD Volunteering and Fundraising Manager, Claire Quince said the volunteers support health staff and improve the experiences of patients and visitors.

“After welcoming 30 new Healthcare Helpers to Lismore, Grafton and Maclean Hospitals in June this year, we are now expanding the program to the District’s other health facilities,” Ms Quince said.

“In addition to meet and greet roles in hospital public areas, we are introducing companion volunteers to provide social support to patients undergoing surgical procedures, cancer treatment and dialysis rehabilitation, as well as new mothers in the maternity ward.

“Our residential aged care facilities at our Multi-Purpose Services are also recruiting companion volunteers to provide social support and assist with outings for aged care residents.”

Yaegl Elder, patriarch, anthropologist, historian, former university lecturer, Doctor of Letters honoris causa Ron Heron of Yamba passed away on Thursday 13 July 2023 and his funeral will be held on Monday 24 July. NOTE: This post includes the image of a person who is deceased

 

Clarence Valley Independent, 19 July 2023:

The Indigenous community and people across the Clarence Valley are mourning the death of Yaegl Elder Uncle Ron Heron, who passed away on Thursday, July 13. He is pictured here at the opening of the Yuraygir Coastal Walk in 2014. Image: Geoff Helisma.

Aboriginal communities across Australia and people from the Northern Rivers are in mourning following the sudden passing of renowned Yaegl patriarch Uncle Ron Heron.

Uncle Ron Heron was born at Lismore in 1947, schooled in the mission system and worked in the Clarence Valley as a cane cutter and picking peas until he decided to make his mark on the world in his early 30’s.

His niece Lesley King told the CV Independent Uncle Ron was a working as a cane cutter when he woke one day determined to make his mark on Aboriginal society and education.

“Prior to all the studies he did, he was just an ordinary cane cutter, he used to go and do cane cutting all around the Clarence River,” she said.

“Then he woke up one day thinking he had to do something else with his life, he said he just decided ‘this isn’t me’, so he started studying, it was his own wake up call.

“So, he started working with Community Health in the Clarence Valley as an Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol counsellor, and he did a bit of work in the Richmond Valley travelling all around to places like Baryulgil.”

Lesley said Uncle Ron decided to go to university, so he moved the Canberra to study and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Letters, by thesis (now Master of Letters) in prehistory and anthropology.

“After he got his degree, he came back to the Richmond River area and he worked at Southern Cross University at Lismore for 10 years lecturing in Indigenous Studies,” she said.

Once a year Macquarie University came to Maclean High School as part of the Rivers of Learning program and Uncle Ron was involved in a week of training and learning, Lesley said, then they would all celebrate together.

Contributions to extensive research at Macquarie University on bush medicines, in international scientific journals, lectures and storytelling led to Uncle Ron being awarded a Doctor of Letters honoris causa from Macquarie University in September 2014, an extremely proud moment for the family and the Yaegl people.

“The family were so proud of Uncle Ron, he worked hard all of his study life,” Lesley said.

“He was a very gentle man; he was very positive in everything he did.

“He was passionate about Aboriginal issues, mostly with archaeology, but also with National Parks and Wildlife, to help educate the other side of the world, the Europeans.

“Uncle Ron met tonnes of beautiful people in his work and in his training and left a positive mark with everyone he met.”

When a mural of Uncle Ron painted on a pump station at Maclean was graffitied in 2022, Lesley said he was ‘gutted’, but when artist Nitsua unveiled a repainted mural in June 2023, he was immensely proud…..

During NAIDOC Week celebrations early this month, Lesley said Uncle Ron had a great time at the elders’ lunch and at the South Grafton community day.

“He was great, he was laughing and out meeting mates and friends and other Elders,” she said.

“Then he got sick on the weekend, and we took him to Maclean Hospital and all his tests were good until he had a blood test and we found out he had a heart attack.”

After the shock of the news Uncle Ron had suffered a heart attack, Lesley said arrangements were made for him to have bypass surgery, but tragically he passed away before the operation…..

“He was the father of all of us Yaegl people after we lost our mum and for all the other’s that had lost their mum and dad.

“Right up until his passing he was teaching all of his grandchildren what he was trained to do.”

Uncle Ron Heron will be farewelled at the Maclean Anglican Church on Monday, July 24, at a time to be confirmed.

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, June 2023: between Grafton and Maclean Hospitals another 40 nurses are needed to provide adequate staffing levels

 

Grafton Base Hospital is a Level 3/4 rural community hospital with an est. 68 bed inpatient capacity which provides acute medical, surgical, orthopaedic, paediatric, anaesthetic, geriatric, obstetric and maternity, intensive and critical care, renal, oncology, palliative care, emergency, some specialist outpatient services and day surgery facilities. Maclean District Hospital is a Level 3 rural community hospital with an est. <43 inpatient bed capacity, an inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and a Day Surgery Unit.

Clarence Valley Independent, 14 June 2023:

Between Grafton and Maclean Hospitals another 40 nurses are needed to provide adequate staffing levels say the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association as the Local Health District tries to fill 180 nursing vacancies across the region.

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association Clarence Valley branch secretary Thea Koval said without agency nursing staff being called in, who are paid significantly more than NSW Health nurses, Maclean and Grafton hospitals would struggle to operate.

“Without agency nursing staff our hospitals would not be able to be run with the nurses employed only by NSW Health,” she said.

“Without that external agency support we would be completely drowning, there just would not be enough staff.”

Ms Koval said both Grafton and Maclean hospitals are continuing to experience increasing numbers of patients presenting to the emergency department ED, which leads to increasing wait times until they are treated.

This combined with the lack of nursing staff, Ms Koval said is leading to a decline in patient care.

“We are constantly and have been for the last 10 years saying that the amount of staff we have is not enough to provide the care we are expected to our patients,” she said.

“That can range anywhere from not being able to provide a shower, so there’s patients going without showers on the wards, to people waiting excessive amounts of time in ED to be seen by a nurse, or once they’re seen by a nurse waiting for pain relief, waiting to be helped to the toilet or delays in getting antibiotics.”

Ms Koval said the frustrating lack of staff led to nurses striking four times last year.

“We raise the issue through to our managers, we try and raise it with the Ministry of Health and so far, nothing has changed,” she said.

“This new government has promised to introduce the ratio system, which they termed ‘safe staffing’ but that hasn’t happened yet.”

Ms Koval said the planned ratios are one nurse to three patients in ED, with a dedicated resuscitation nurse, a dedicated triage nurse and a dedicated team leader on all shifts.

“That would make a massive difference to Grafton and Maclean Hospitals, particularly on our night shifts when our staffing drops from seven nurses to three nurses, and more often than not these days the ED is full of patients,” she said.

As Queensland Health have implemented nurse to patient ratios, where nurses experience better conditions and earn $10 an hour more than in NSW, Ms Koval said a number of local nurses have left to work over the border.

As a result, the Northern NSW Local Health District has confirmed there are 180 full time equivalent nursing vacancies across the region.

“Grafton and Maclean hospitals have approximately 40 of those vacancies,” Ms Koval said.

“That is just to make it back up to what the government currently considers as reasonable staffing levels…and when this new ‘safe staffing’ comes in as promised, that level of vacancies will increase.”

Ms Koval said staff shortages extend to the number of local doctors, as two surgeons have recently left Grafton hospital without being replaced and locums are regularly called in to fill positions in Grafton and Maclean hospitals.

“It’s a very large expense (for locums) but it’s what you have to do otherwise you don’t have medical coverage,” she said……

Read the full article here.

Show Us The Money, Perrottet!

 

Fool us once, shame on you; fool us twice, shame on us. Try to fool us a third time, then your vote count drops on Saturday 25 March 2023.

Clarence Valley Independent, 1 February 2023, excerpt:

The unveiling of the master plan for the $264 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) has been described by Des Harvey of the Grafton Base Hospital Community Committee (GBHCC) as a miniscule step forward.

“The Minister and others might think it’s a major step, but in our opinion, there is still no funding other than just a mention of funding,” he said.

“There is a promise of $263.8 million, but that has been around for too many years.

“We’ve also had a promise that construction will commence before March 2023, and we know that’s not going to happen.

“We’re still talking about planning.

“In my opinion, and that of many people I speak to in the community, the planning really was completed back in 2015, and that’s the reason that the government was able to come up with a figure of $263.8 million, so they knew specifically how many nails, screws and alike were involved in the job…..

 “But as far as I can see, there is no money in the budget for it, and until there is money in the budget, nothing happens,” he recalled.

From Berejiklian in 2018 through to Perrottet in 2023 - the many promises made by the NSW Coalition Government to fund redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital

 

THE IDENTIFIED NEED

The Daily Examiner, 31 July 2018, p.1:

Grafton Base Hospital will offer inpatient mental health services when a $263.8million redevelopment is funded.

For the first time the Northern NSW Local Health District has made the hospital its number one priority in its Asset Strategic Plan for 2018/19.

The Daily Examiner, 20 October 2018, p.4:

In July the Northern NSW Local Health District made a rebuild of the hospital its top priority for the coming year at a cost of $263.8million.

It’s report on the priority listing noted the hospital was close to capacity with inpatient beds, emergency, renal dialysis and chemotherapy infrastructure expected to reach capacity by 2022 and infrastructure for ambulatory care services was to reach capacity in 2020.

It also noted the construction of Australia’s largest jail, due for completion south of Grafton at the end of 2020, would also place stresses on the region’s health services.

The Daily Examiner, 22 November 2018, p.5:

Clarence Valley Council has also thrown its support behind the redevelopment of the Grafton Base Hospital.

It will write to the premier, deputy premier, minister for health, and member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis expressing its support for the $263.8m redevelopment.

THE HALF-PROMISES BEGIN

The Daily Examiner, 8 December 2018, p.22:

More hospital funding remains in his sights with the potential $268 million rebuild of the tired piece of infrastructure.

The Daily Examiner, 19 December 2018, p. 9:

Mr Gulaptis said he was continuing to pressure the government to allocate the $268 million funding for the hospital…..

THE REPETITIVE PROMISES

Clarence Valley Independent, 13 March 2019:

Gulaptis promise of $263m Grafton Hospital overhaul

The Daily Examiner, 21 June 2019, p.3: 

The $263 million commitment to the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment was made in the final weeks of the campaign in March and is just one of many major infrastructure promises outlined in the 2019-20 Budget Papers. However, there there was no specific line item in the 2019-20 Budget and Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis was quick to point out it would take time.”

The Daily Mercury, 31 July 2020:

HEALTH NEEDS CONTINUE UNMET

North Coast Voices, 21 February 2021:

PUBLIC HOSPITAL ELECTIVE SURGERY MEDIAN WAITING TIMES IN NORTH-EAST NSW......

Grafton Base Hospital:

Hip replacement - the median wait was 6 days in 2011-12 and blew out to 77 days by 2017-18 and latest figures for 2019-20 stand at 67 days.

Total knee replacement - the median wait was 10 days in 2011-12 and blew out to 145 days by 2017-18 and latest figures for 2019-20 stand at 135 days.

Shoulder joint replacement - the wait was 8 days in 2016-17 and blew out to 11 days by 2017-18 and latest figures for 2019-20 stand at less than 5 days.

Ophthalmology - the median wait was 285 days in 2011-12 and latest figures for 2019-20 stand at 326 days, the highest median waiting time in the last nine financial years.

Between July and September 2020 a total of 652 unspecified elective surgery procedures were performed.

Clarence Valley Independent, 10 August 2022: 

The Clarence Valley Independent hit the streets last week and asked members of the public to share their thoughts after the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) revealed Grafton Base Hospital (GBH) had no on-site obstetrician, or available locums to cover shortages, and subsequently, expectant and birthing mothers were being referred to Lismore Base Hospital and Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

The NNSWLHD released a second statement two days later, announcing staff had altered their rosters to ensure previously advised gaps in specialist obstetrician cover were filled.....

THE PROMISES CONTINUE AND SO DO THE PROBLEMS

NSW Nationals, media release, 25 January 2023:

Regional Health and Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor, Nationals’ Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, and Nationals’ candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson have announced a major step forward in the $264 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

ABC News, 25 January 2023:

After her knee replacement surgery was cancelled twice last year, Yamba woman Rosalind Walsh could not bear to think it might happen again.

The 72-year-old was scheduled this week for orthopaedic work at Grafton Base Hospital in northern New South Wales, but was called on the day by hospital management asking her to stay home.

"They just said, 'We don't have a bed'," Ms Walsh said.

"They said, 'We can't do the surgery, but you're still booked in'."

Anaesthetist & former Grafton Medical Staff Council chair Allan Tyson said there were real repercussions for people who missed out.

"It is common," he said.

"We have to say, 'Sorry, you have to go home because the surgery can't be done'.

"It's not just elective surgery, if you can't walk."

Dr Tyson said the Grafton hospital was operating well beyond its capacity.

"We've got 18 patients in a ward today that is funded for eight patients," he said.

"Last week our fly-in surgeon missed out on three or four joint surgeries that we should have done, but didn't have the bed space.

"In the end, it's our patients that miss out."

For Rosalind Walsh, however, a long wait outside the hospital was worth it.

The ABC understands hospital management was able to redirect patients from the emergency department, resulting in a spare bed so Ms Walsh could have her knee surgery & recover in hospital.

Paid doctors with nowhere to work

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said surgeons, including those flying in to regional hospitals to help reduce elective surgery waitlists, were at times unable to operate.

"As chief executive it hurts to the bone to pay money I'm not getting a return on," he said.

"The reality is at times you can't avoid that.

"There is [an] unprecedented bed block that we're experiencing."

Mr Jones said administrators were planning as much as they could.

"It is worth noting that we're seeing a real decline in those overdue waits, over the last four or five months, as we're starting to develop more models of care," he said.

"We're doing surgery in our smaller facilities, we're freeing up beds & facilities in places like Grafton, so we are getting through more."

NSW Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor visited the hospital this week to commit to a new $274-million new hospital in Grafton — a similar pledge to a 2019 state election promise…...