Hospital's shortcomings to be reviewed by May - GSAHS
Greater Southern Area Health Service has committed to achieving a number of recommendations relating to Tumut Hospital outlined in the recently completed Tumut Health Service Plan.
The service plan was finalised in November following a public consultation process and included a number of recommendations.
Dr Nigel Lyons, Acting Chief Executive of GSAHS, has advised the local committee overseeing the services plan that GSAHS is committed to achieving the plan's recommendations.
They include a comprehensive review of the hospital and emergency department by May.
From the review, a master plan will be prepared outlining short and medium term solutions to the current shortfall in the physical environment in Tumut Hospital's emergency department.
Dr Lyons noted that a new surgical services network will be rolled out during 2006. This will provide clinical staff with opportunities for enhanced training, clinical rotation, outreach support and an increase in the use of telemedicine.
Dr Lyons has also committed GSAHS to review the relocation of maternity services, to be completed by May.
The issue of a new hospital for Tumut has been included in the GSAHS Asset Strategic Plan and Dr Lyons has assured the committee that a facility review and master plan will be completed by May 2006.
"It is expected that the asset strategic plan will confirm the requirement for a major upgrade at the Tumut Health Serviced and GSAHS will request that Tumut be included ono the NSW Capital Works program as a priority project," Dr Lyons stated.
Short-term refurbishment works will be completed by the end of 2006, according to Dr Lyons.
Meanwhile, at a local level the Tumut Health Service Manager Mary Smit and Tumut Community Health Service Manager, Jill Ludford, are working on a number of clinical projects.
They include a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes, improved case management services, training in chronic disease management and development an interagency approach to mental illness. Details of these projects will be announced soon.
The Tumut managers will also be involved in the development of a web based service directory, which will complement one of the recommendations of the Tumut Shire Social Plan.
GSAHS is currently processing applications for the new Local Health Service Advisory Board and the future monitoring of goals and targets of the Health Service Plan will be reviewed after the announcement of the formation of this new lobby group.
TUMUT & ADELONG TIMES
Friday, January 20, 2006