A new Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) for Batlow is coming, but residents are still none the wiser as to exactly when the new facility will be built following a visit to the town this week by the Southern Area Health chief executive.

Professor Stewart Shneider was in Batlow on Tuesday to tour the existing run-down hospital and meet with the Batlow Multi Purpose Service committee to discuss the beleaguered project.

The MPS has been subject to continual delays since then Minister for Health Craig Knowles announced funding for the project back in March 200.

Originally slated to be opened in July 2003, the $10 million project is yet to progress past the design phase, to the immense frustration of Batlow residents.

Mr Schneider made all the right noises during Tuesday's tour, saying the project was high on the Southern Area Health Service's list of priorities.

But he could not say why the project had been delayed, nor could he shed light on when funding would come through.

However, he did pledge to chase up the government and provide an answer as to funding availability.

"I've given a commitment to the committee to provide them with a time line for the project by the end of March," Prof. Schneider said.

"The community feel they don't know really know what's going on at the moment and I can understand that."

Mr Schneider conceded the present hospital was not in an ideal condition, but noted it was important not to rush into building the new facility.

"Projects like this only happen about once every 50 years in rural communities, so it is important we get it right," Mr Schneider said.

"Batlow certainly has a case for a new facility, that was made evident during my trip to the hospital."

That point was reiterated by Batlow MPS chairperson Janice Vanzella.

"I think he was surprised at just how bad the physical state of the hospital was," Ms Vanzella said.

"Greater Murray Health have always given this project their support and Professor Schneider said that would continue under Southern Area Health.

"It's now a case of continuing to put pressure on the government to speed up the process ultimately it's their decision."

Ms Vanzella remains confident the project will get the green light from the government.

The state government pulled the plug on expected funding for the project in December, when a planning document indicated the cost of the project would be double the original estimate of $5 million.

The budget blow out for the 24bed facility - which includes 19 aged care beds - meant the project had to be taken back to the NSW State Treasury to find the extra funds.

There is no word on whether the treasury has allocated those extra funds, but Mr Schneider has indicated he'll have an answer for the Batlow MPS committee by the end of March.

Tumut & Adelong Times

March 4 2005