The news comes not long after HNEH announced that it would be closing the Nita Reed Dialysis Centre in Taree and relocating dialysis chairs to Forster Private Hospital in 2015.

The announcement to close the centre and move the chairs to Forster has caused anger among Manning Valley residents including Greater Taree City Council Mayor Paul Hogan.  HNEH’S chief executive officer Michael DiRienzo said HNEH will continue to speak with key community stakeholders and, for now, plans have been put on hold. 

“When looking at any changes to services communicating with our staff, patients and visitors is a priority and we endeavoured to do so in this case. However, I recognise that there is more work to be done,” Mr DiRienzo said. 

“I’m taking the feedback from the community seriously and focusing our immediate efforts on meeting with key stakeholders about plans for the service and the structure. While we undertake this important work, I am placing the relocation on hold.” 

Mr DiRienzo said HNEH has 

already had some preliminary 

discussions with stakeholders and will continue meetings over the 

coming weeks. 

“HNEH will finalise plans and 

ensure that staff, patients, visitors and the community is kept up to date.”