The state government, represented by Member for Bega Michael Holland, has responded to the Eurobodalla Council’s advocacy for the retention of the emergency department at Batemans Bay Hospital. Holland emphasized that maintaining the current emergency department would likely lead to a decrease in the overall health services available in the Eurobodalla region.
In a motion unanimously passed by the council, Mayor Mat Hatcher expressed concerns that reducing emergency services would adversely affect the entire community, including families and retirees. Hatcher stated, “A reduction in emergency services hurts everyone, from young families to retirees and locals and visitors alike.” In contrast, Holland argued that the future completion of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital would enhance health service accessibility throughout the shire.
Holland highlighted the benefits of the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which he claimed would have a greater capacity than the combined emergency departments of the existing Batemans Bay and Moruya hospitals. He noted that the new facility will include more emergency treatment spaces, a Level 4 intensive care unit, and advanced medical services that are currently unavailable in Batemans Bay.
Future of Health Services in Eurobodalla
“The emergency department at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will have more emergency treatment spaces than the current hospitals combined,” Holland stated. He further elaborated that the new facility will feature the first intensive care unit, a pediatric ward, and a Level 4 special care nursery in the Eurobodalla. Additionally, it will offer the first in-hospital MRI on the Far South Coast.
Holland pointed out the limitations of the current Batemans Bay emergency department, which lacks a CT scanner, ultrasound service, on-site pathology, or a blood bank. He also mentioned that it operates with only a day-only operating theatre and does not have available specialists such as an anaesthetist, surgeon, physician, pediatrician, or obstetrician.
He contended that if Batemans Bay were to remain a “virtual Level 1 facility” and Moruya a Level 2 hospital, it would jeopardize the potential of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital achieving Level 4 status due to resource and staffing constraints. Holland emphasized that having a single Level 4 facility would minimize unnecessary patient transfers between local hospitals and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
“Safety and quality of health services for our constituents is the highest priority of NSW Health,” he said. Holland recognized the complexity of healthcare provision and acknowledged the difficult decisions that must be made.
Equity in Healthcare Development
In response to concerns raised by Hatcher regarding equity in healthcare access, Holland stated that the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital was designed to create fairness for residents across the region, extending from Batemans Bay to south of Narooma. He mentioned that nearly 50 percent of patients currently do not receive care locally.
Holland confirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Southern NSW Local Health District to address the community’s concerns and questions. He reiterated the importance of transitioning services from the existing facilities to ensure a holistic and improved healthcare system for the Eurobodalla region.
