"Sadly forgotten and neglected": Health care workers, councillors and community concerned over $300m shortfall for Manning Base Hospital redevelopment

Funding for the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment in Taree is currently $300 million short, with key facilities proposed just last year remaining a concept unless the government provides additional funding.

In a June 30 meeting of the MidCoast Council, two doctors and a former nurse told a packed council chambers the shortcomings will result in lives being at risk.

Taree Cardiologist Dr Sesh Narasimhan put the demand into perspective, telling the room he has spent eight years trying to get a second doctor to help him with his 80-hour work week – with no success. 

“People are waiting to see me in November, December,” said Dr Narasimhan.

“If you plan on having a heart attack, please don’t.”

Where did the money go?

Since 2016 there has been a concerted effort by the Mid Coast community, led primarily by the Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group, for adequate funding to complete the Manning Base Hospital re-development in full.

$100 million was pledged by the previous NSW Liberal government, however the appropriation of those funds did not occur until four years after the announcement, by which time costs had blown out. 

An additional $80 million was provided by the current Labor government, but organisers say it’s still not enough, with the amount falling short of what is required to meet the proposed works.  

Now, the project is being re-scoped and new approaches closer to the available budget are being considered. 

Former nurse and President of Manning Great Lakes Community Health Action Group, Eddie Wood, has been advocating for increased funding and services at Manning Base Hospital for the past nine years.

“Our community has, without a doubt, been sadly forgotten and neglected in the provision of clinical service needs, as well as adequate funding for the completion of stage two and three of Manning Base Hospital redevelopment in its entirety.”

The redevelopment plans

The plans for an upgraded Manning Base Hospital would include an additional 84 beds. However, council was told the closure of multiple healthcare units nearby - as well as fewer beds at nearby private hospitals - has meant the region is at a loss of over 124 beds.

“The net impact is that this population has grown but it hasn’t been matched by the amount of beds we need,” said councillor Alan Tickle.

Tickle said the re-scoping of the redevelopment to the hospital would mean no new morgue, no new pharmacy, “a massive hole” regarding clinical services and the fourth floor development “just a shell.”

Councillor Wilson said the demand for services in the region outstripped supply, resulting in longer waiting times.

“This pain is going to be with us for a long time,” he said. “It’s not the healthcare workers… all the feedback I’ve received is that the healthcare workers are doing their best. I feel for them. In business we have this term that if you’re going to equip someone to be successful you don’t set them up to fail. And it sounds like, unfortunately, a lot of our healthcare workers are in that situation.”

What happens next?

MidCoast Council has supported the community call for adequate funding to complete the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment as originally planned.

On June 30, the council voted unanimously and passed a motion that Mayor Claire Pontin will write to the NSW Minister for Health to express community concern over the funding shortfall and explain the urgent need for further funding.

Thumbnail: NSW Government