BY TAYLA LEE
Maitland Hospital and John Hunter Health Precinct are currently undergoing development which locals fear could lead to the closure of smaller, regional hospitals.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has assured the public that there are no plans to close any health facilities at this stage despite the rising rumors in the community.
Rob Doherty from Friends of Kurri Kurri Hospital doubts this however, claiming he expects a change of mind after the completion of the hospitals.
"He said there's no plans at this stage.
"Well watch this space February next year when the new Maitland hospital is commissioned," Mr Doherty said.
A parliamentary petition has been created to gain support in maintaining Kurri Kurri Hospital which has seen success with over 800 digital signatures and hundreds of signatures coming from the community.
Completion of Maitland Hospital could see it open to the public, taking in patients as soon as early 2022.
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| Maitland Hospital currently under constriction. Photo: Jenny Aitchison. |
