State Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, has called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her new Health Minister to immediately commence construction of the new Lower Hunter Hospital as originally promised and to make it a fully public hospital.

The NSW Liberal Government has been in office for almost six years and our local community is still waiting for them to stop playing politics and start work on building the new Lower Hunter Hospital.

In 2011 the Government promised Maitland a John Hunter sized hospital (at least 650 beds). However, prior to the 2015 election, the Government said the new hospital would be about half the size of the John Hunter Hospital and that construction would commence prior to 2019. Now they are saying it will be half the size and they’ll need private money to build it quicker.

The Government has recently launched an advertising campaign on the new Hospital because of community backlash against the extensive delays and the public-private partnership.

Our community can no longer be held to ransom by this Government. It's time for them to build the hospital they promised the community they would build.

Quotes attributable to Member for Maitland and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

“The Government has been in office for almost six years, our community has waited almost 6 years, it’s time for the Government to immediately commence construction and ensure that it’s a fully public hospital.”

“Our community is wondering what surprises the new Health Minister has in store for us. The lack of consultation with the community so far has been disgraceful.”

"All we have to show for the millions of dollars that have been spent in the last six years is a sign on Metford Road and advertising in the Local newspapers telling us how great this shrinking privatised hospital will be."

“I’ve been a strong advocate for the hospital since before I was elected, and I will continue to fight to ensure that our new hospital is publicly operated and kept in public hands.”

“My office has collected over 4,500 signatures opposing the privatisation”

“To show your support and to sign my petition visit www.jennyaitchison.com.au/petitions”