Lithgow City Council sent out a press release on Thursday, February 13 voicing their concerns over an apparent restructure of Lithgow Hospital which would see senior positions made redundant.
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Blue Mountains LHD sent out a consultation paper proposing a restructure of senior management at Blue Mountains, Springwood and Lithgow hospitals to stakeholders for their input.
According to a spokesperson for the Blue Mountains LHD, following the feedback received, the proposal in its current form will not be proceeding.
The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Board will review the proposal, taking into account the feedback received, to inform discussions with key stakeholders on future proposals to enhance clinical services for the District.
Lithgow Mayor Ray Thompson said he was disappointed at the disconnect between the NSW Government policy and the reality of the decisions that are being made affecting regional and Lithgow residents.
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"I believe the NSW Government and its Health bureaucracy have paid lip service to assisting Regional NSW with the provision of Health and other services through their advertised policy of decentralisation, and this is no more acutely felt in our community with the loss of jobs and employment potential, arising from the closure of Wallerawang Power Station and the exclusion of Lithgow from participation in Rail Infrastructure Projects given our existing rail framework," he said.
"This NSW Government initiative continues to cause detriment to the Lithgow community."
Bathurst MP Paul Toole said he was also concerned about the proposal for Lithgow Hospital.
"I've spoken directly to the Ministers office today and the Local Health District and can confirm that this proposal will not be proceeding," he said.
"What I am pleased about is that they are wanting to create more services here locally for the community and that must be our focus."