NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard has responded to comments made by Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, in which she demanded the Berejikilian Government “end confusion” over the model for the new Maitland Hospital.
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Ms Aitchison made the call after Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald told a media pack at the unveiling of the construction site that the new hospital would “definitely” be operated by a not-for-profit provider.
It was the same fiery press conference where Liberal Mr MacDonald ejected Labor counterpart Ms Aitchison from the site.
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Following that incident, Ms Aitchison claimed that Mr Hazzard had assured her no decision had been made on the final operating model of the hospital, and that he would advise her immediately if a decision was made.
“The comments by Jenny Aitchison as to the undertakings I gave her are correct,” Mr Hazzard said.
“I did tell her that the not-for-profit expression of interest process is ongoing, and no decision has been made about the operators as yet, other than the current preferred position is a not-for-profit partner with the NSW Government.
...the not-for-profit expression of interest process is ongoing, and no decision has been made about the operators as yet...
- NSW Health minister Brad Hazzard
“I have also undertaken to discuss the issue with Jenny personally as decisions are made, and on behalf of the NSW Government I have honoured that obligation.”
Mr Hazzard’s comments are a departure from Mr MacDonald’s statement that the hospital would “definitely” be operated in a partnership with a not-for-profit provider.
When contacted, Mr MacDonald said that his comments were made “with the proviso that it has to be the best value for the taxpayer, community and health system”.
Mr Hazzard maintained that community concerns were being counted while the shortlist of not-for-profit providers is compiled.
“I am weighing up all of the issues which have been raised by the community and medical staff. I believe a lot of those issues will be addressed through the contract process, if we proceed with a not-for-profit partner,” the minister said.
