This is an addition of 14 beds to the existing 34 beds and cements the future of the hospital.

New areas for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, mental health, drug and alcohol services, community nursing and social work have been included.

The accident and emergency unit is under going major renovations and refurbishment and should be opened in the next few months.

Upgrade and refurbishment plans are underway for the operating theatre area to fulfill an extended network role.

The Hewitt Block roof will be replaced in 2013-2014 and we applaud and thank the efforts of the Bellinger Health Action Group in fundraising and the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board and Mid North Coast Local Health District for listening and allocating funds to achieve this end.

The medical staff council is very supportive of these additions. 

The Mid North Coast Local Health District and the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board have progressed with their initiatives and the medical and hospital staff have been involved giving design ideas and advice.

The Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board and the Bellingen Hospital medical staff council are very aware of the keen interest in the community for the present health and future well being of the hospital. 

Bellinger Hospital serves a vital role as a local community hospital for accident emergency and acute or chronic health care and at the same time is a network member of the Mid North Coast Local Health District. 

This is a different role historically and is reflected in the changing makeup and services that the Bellinger Hospital provides.

The sub acute and palliative care units will serve both the Mid North Coast Health Local Health District population from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie and are available within the network for the Bellingen, Urunga, Dorrigo and North Beach residents.

There was an important integration with ‘Closing the Gap Initiative’ in NAIDOC Week was attended Mayor Troy, the Mid North Coast Local Health District and Governing Board, Bellingen Health Action Group, Bellinger River District Hospital medical  staff and Indigenous elders at the invitation of the Bellinger River District Hospital.

The medical staff council feel the hospitals future is secure, that the alterations, renovations and refurbishments are appropriate and valuable, and that the Mid North Coast Local Health District Governing Board and Mid North Coast Local Health District whilst active with their own initiatives have at the same time heard you and have responded in a real and progressive way for the future of the Bellinger River District Hospital.

❑ Andrew Heslop is Chairman of the Bellinger River District Hospital Medical Staff Council