AFTER the reverse decision by Hunter New England Health (HNE) to keep the Nita Reed Dialysis Centre in Taree open, the development of a new centre in Forster has been thrown into uncertainty.
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HNE Health has pulled the pin on an agreement it had with Forster Private Hospital’s management – Pulse Health and the Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association to fund a purpose built dialysis unit in Forster.
The agreement was made 18 months ago provided that the association covered the costs of the development.
Following this, the association allocated $560,000 for the construction of a purpose built unit. The development is due for completion next month.
After the decision to keep Nita Reed open however, HNE Health has gone back on its agreement and has decided not to fund the Forster unit.
Pulse Health’s chief executive officer Phillipa Blakey said the unit’s construction has been placed on hold while discussions take place between HNE Health and Pulse Health.
Hospital association president Roger Lynch said what appeared to be a promising development for the Great Lakes has turned into utter disappointment.
“I’m so dirty about the whole thing,” Mr Lynch said.
“The result of this is that we have almost finished converting two wards for a dialysis unit at a cost of $560,000. The unit is purpose built. Its use for other things is very limited. It’s probably going to cost that much to convert it back.
“We are a community organisation. We can’t just write a cheque for $500,000 and kiss it goodbye. It’s community money. The board of directors are disgusted to say the least.
“When the decision was made to keep Nita Reed open it obviously put our centre in jeopardy.”
Mr Lynch said he hopes HNE Health will realise the importance for Forster to have its own centre.
Meanwhile, Ms Blakey said HNE Health are keen to see the space utilised.
“There is a possibility that it (dialysis unit) won’t go ahead. Sometimes these things happen and circumstances change but we will be discussing with HNE Health what the next steps are,” she said.
“It’s very early days but I have spoken at length with the CEO and hopefully we will come to some sort of agreement.”
HNE Health’s chief executive Michael DiRienzo did not give specifics about why the funding agreement was pulled but said the health board is committed to providing public renal services at Forster Private Hospital.
“We are currently working through plans with the hospital that will enable local renal services to be introduced and expanded to meet the future needs of the community,” he said.
