THE THREATS of closure that have dogged Bellingen Hospital over the past few years have been swept aside with $350,000 spent on the repair and development of the building’s once ailing roof.
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In a morning tea celebration, members of the Bellingen Hospital Action Group (BHAG) joined with staff, Mid North Coast Area Heath dignitaries and mayor Mark Troy to officially thank the community for their contribution in keeping the hospital functioning and thriving as a local medical outpost.
$48,543 was raised by locals to help fund the 1760m2 Hartley House and Hewitt Block re-roofing project and purchase a solar hot water system.
Overseeing the morning tea was MNC district governing board member, Warren Grimshaw. He told the crowd the day set a gold standard for successful health fundraising.
He singled out long-term agitator and Bellingen Hospital supporter Barbara Moore.
“Today is recognition of a team effort – community, board and staff,” Warren said.
“Everyone thought this hospital was going to close, well it’s not closed. You have one of the best facilities along the Mid North Coast for a community of this size and you should be really proud. It’s a really great day and I’d like to give particular reference to Barbara Moore.”
Barbara’s involvement began in 2008 and her fervour hasn’t waivered.
BHAG “kept niggling away; the squeaky wheel. And today we can see that the squeaky wheel and the thorn in the side have come to fruition,” she said.
The shire’s health facility upgrade is in addition to other hospital developments such as the sub-acute and rehab unit services, and Barbara said it all amounts to a big win for locals.
“Today is another momentous day for the Bellingen Hospital - I’d like to thank and congratulate everyone who worked tirelessly over the years to achieve such amazing results. It just showcases the passion and commitment that our shire-wise community has,” she said.
“There are many community members and businesses that do fundraising for the hospital. They also do groundwork, they purchase equipment, they construct, they attend to patients personal requests, they come and visit and chat to patients and provide social contact for them. They come in and they paint walls, they do interior decoration, assist maintenance crew with the gardening.
“I am not aware of any other community in NSW that has raised funds to assist the re-roofing of a local hospital … this might be a first.”
Throughout the morning there was an overwhelming sense that the hospital had finally received the commitment from relevant government bodies to support the continuation of Bellingen Hospital.
Mayor Troy said when the hospital was deemed unsafe in 2009, there was a stark choice placed on the table: either closure or conversion to an aged-care facility. It was at this point that the community rallied and campaigned for the long-term future of the hospital.
“It seemed like an eternity since the SOS action group commenced but how different things are today,” Cr Troy said.
“The huge injection of funds for capital works and refurbishments provides security and allows this hospital to play a major role locally and regionally.”
In concluding the morning's formalties, MNC Local Health District CEO Staurt Dowrick reassured the community of the hospital's longevity, noting "it has an important and positive role to play in the many years to come”.