i welcome Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s announcement of the new Health and Hospital Reform Network.

“This is great for our area and it is what everyone has been asking for locally.

“Our health needs have always been my top priority, and I have been talking to people in the health sector, and patients for many years about what needs to be done.
“When Kevin Rudd came here in August last year as part of the national health reform consultations he heard from people across our local health sector.

“I welcome the announcement of a local network of hospitals with a governing council because the feedback I had after that health forum was that this was the way we needed to go.

“This model puts our own doctors, nurses and health practitioners and local community leaders in control of our health services.

“The Rudd Government has shown its commitment to health services in Page, with the $15 million investment in the Lismore Base Hospital Cancer Care Centre, which is  nearing completion,  and the $19 million Grafton Base hospital redevelopment and $5 million Grafton Super Clinic.

“This new Health and Hospital Reform Network will be great for our local area and I am confident that this funding model will deliver our fair share of the health dollar.