Spat Overshadows Significant Step in Construction of new Maitland Hospital

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A traditional turning of the sod ceremony at the site of the new Maitland Hospital at Metford has been overshadowed by a spat between Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

In front of gathered media yesterday afternoon, Scot MacDonald made it abundantly clear he wasn't happy Jenny Aitchison was there.

He asked her if she was invited and said he wasn't "really happy" she was there because she'd been trying to derail the project for the last two years.

"She hadn't been invited to the sod turning so, you've got to be suited up, we said to her, were you invited, she said no. It's very clear it's not appropriate to have people on the site who are just there to cause mischief," said Scot MacDonald.

He toured the site with representatives from Health Infrastructure and Hunter New England Local Health District inspecting the preliminary work and looking at the concept design for the new hospital.

Concept design for new Maitland Hospital at Metford. Image supplied.

Jenny Aitchison has hit back this morning, accusing Scot MacDonald of spreading lies.

"There's no basis in fact of it, everyone knows that I have been in favour of the hospital for the last two years, the lobbying that I've done has actually secured another $50 million for the project than what the government promised in the first place,"

"It's ensured that the commencement of the works actually happened before the end of this year, something that the government earlier this year said would only start in 2018," said Jenny Aitchison.

Scot MacDonald makes no apologies and didn't back down, calling on Jenny to get on board with the plan because really it's too little too late.

"She's being led by her shadow minister who is actually potentially causing a roadblock to this so you know, my call would be to Jenny, get on board, its a very very large project, there have been enough delays the money is on the table, let us get on with it."

The State Government announced in July it would seek a not-for-profit organisation to operate the hospital and providers are being invited to give their proposals for the site in partnership with the NSW Government.

Jenny Aitchison said Scot MacDonald is just being a bully.

"He's been a bully from the start really and it was just interesting that finally, I guess the media was there when he's launched one of his tirades and that's all it is, there's no basis in fact with it, everyone knows I've been in favour of the hospital for the last two years."

A part from the shock war of words between the two parliamentarians, yesterday was a significant step forward for the hospital's construction.

The enabling works at the site being carried out by Donnelley Constructions Pty Ltd and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A new roundabout will be built on Metford Road as a part of the enabling works. Fencing and signage have been erected to establish the site and services will be upgraded including a new water main and the relocation of the above and below ground services such as gas main, power and communication cables.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald with Gavin Thompson, Project Director,
Health Infrastructure and Eddie Pirillo, Executive Lead - New Maitland Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District

It's Not All About Crime: Neighbourhood Watch Week

BY JESSICA ROUSE

We're all being encouraged to join a Neighbourhood Watch group this week, and the regional coordinator for the Hunter says it's not all about crime.

It's Neighbourhood Watch Week throughout the country until 8th October and so far two new groups have joined - one in Medowie and another in Cameron Park.

That brings the total number in the Hunter region to 13 which is more than double the number of groups 18 months ago.

"It's certainly gaining momentum and the message is getting out there. people are going from a small neighbourhood group to actually become an official Neighbourhood Watch group so they're fully supported by Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and NSW Police," said Hunter coordinator Bill Hackney.

But the Neighbourhood Watch groups aren't just about reporting crimes and finding criminals.

"It's fairly easy to have a neighbourhood watch group now compared to what it was 30 years ago and it's for the good of the community, it's not always about crime, it's about a sense of being a part of a community group and forming that bond of getting to know your neighbour," said Bill.

You can find out more about Neighbourhood Watch at www.nhwa.com.au 

The Metford group hold a meeting on the fourth Monday of each month at the Metford Community Baptist Church starting at 7pm. They're also having an information booth at Greenhills McDonalds on October 14.

A move for the proposed Lower Hunter Hospital

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

While in Newcastle yesterday, Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he's open to looking at a proposal to relocate the planned Lower Hunter Hospital.

The proposal would see the site moved from Metford to Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Council has called on the government to consider the shift to an area of green space within the former Hydro Aluminium site believing it would better serve the Hunter Valley.

Brad Hazzard is happy to consider the idea, and as Health Minister only wants to the best outcome for patients.

"Certainly the advice I've had from the ministry and from the local health district is that they have already bought a new site and they think that site is a very good site but I am looking at the arguments both ways and discussing and challenging if you like, the bureaucracy there is, but I have heard that decision and I am looking at it."

But public funding needs to be spent wisely, and the minister says where the taxpayer's dollar goes is very important.

"It is always a case of being open to local communities and as the Minister for Health, I am. But I have to be sensible and make sure that taxpayers funds are used well. What the department and the ministry are advising me is that they're very happy with the site but certainly if there are other issues I'll look at it."

Health Minister Brad Hazzard

Woman needs plastic surgery after being attacked by dogs

BY RACHEL STORER

A woman has needed plastic surgery on her nose after being attacked by two dogs last night in Metford.

The 40-year-old woman was walking her own dog at 7 o'clock Monday night along Chelmsford Drive when she set upon by the two dogs.

A 38-year-old man along with two girls, aged nine and 16 ran to the aid of the woman and were also mauled.

The man sustained a laceration to his hand and the girls were left with abrasions.

Following this, another 24-year-old man came to assist and was also bitten, receiving lacerations to his arm and leg.

Paramedics attended the scene and treated those involved. The 40-year-old woman who sustained significant injuries to her nose was taken to John Hunter Hospital for surgery.

The dogs were seized by council rangers soon after in a local park and are currently being held by Maitland City Council.

Two Bull Mastiffs, such as the one pictured, injured 5 people at Metford

Maitland's New Hospital Well on Its Way

Maitland's new hospital has past its first planning stage after the State Government pledged over 400 million dollars for the major project.

The hospital's planning will continue into 2016, with ground work expected on the Metford site before the next State election.

Hunter New England Health Chief Executive Michael DiRienzo says it's good the Government is acting on he hospital.

"There's been a lot of planning to date and there's been a lot of getting the site ready for this"

He says the Metford hospital will be built whilst old Maitland hospital is still in operation and "we'll decommission one hospital and then we can transfer or transition services from the old hospital and start the new one"

An artist's impression of the new Maitland hospital (image courtesy of The Herald).

The Government has confirmed new delivery suits, an intensive care unit and an additional CT scanner will all be part of Maitland hospital's transition to Metford.

But Maitland MP Jenny Aitcherson says their isn't enough information yet, "we need the release of the business case to the public and we need the date [of completion].  The date is the key here".

"We need this hospital, it's been promised for over five years now, its time for the Government to just deliver it".