Thanks for your support
Conjola Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade has been overwhelmed by the support from the local community and businesses during their fund raiser on Saturday night. Shelly and the staff at the Lake Conjola Bowling and Recreation Club out did themselves sponsoring the three major prizes for the Trivia Night and providing a tasty supper.
Despite the atrocious weather 120 people braved the elements for a fun filled, brain testing evening.
Congratulations to the eight knowledgeable souls lead by Janice and Tony Rolls, who took out first prize.
Many thanks to all for your continued support of local volunteers, you helped raise $1286 towards additional equipment. What a great community we live in.
G. Phillips, Lake Conjola
Decision pending
Any suggestion that the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is downgrading Milton Ulladulla Hospital is categorically incorrect. In fact, we have invested significant resources into the facility in recent years and continue to do so in planning future services.
We recently joined the local community in celebrating the start of construction on the new $4.6 million Renal and Palliative Care Unit, which will help meet the growing demand for these services locally and enhance access to this type of care closer to home.
We have continued to develop the provision of cancer services from the Milton Day Unit with expanded chemotherapy and haematology services meaning an additional day of operation and including additional nursing staff.
In addition to this, Milton residents also have access to the new Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre which means more people can receive treatment closer to home.
With regard to birthing services, I reiterate that a final decision on the model of care for the future has not been made.
We have been working closely with a group of local midwives, nurses and GP obstetricians to look at all the options available for the provision of future services that are safe and appropriate for both the community and the hospital.
There have been a number of major reviews into the provision of birthing services, which will help guide our decisions.
I am unapologetic in my stance on the issue of safety; the birthing service at Milton has unfortunately seen three significant adverse outcomes in recent years and we must ensure that our services are safe – first and foremost.
Decisions about the future of local services are never easy, especially in small communities like Milton where most people have a story or connection to the service.
That’s why we have been very keen to engage, from the start, with the skilled local professionals who deliver the services as they are best placed to help us make important decisions for the future.
The District will continue to have open discussion and consultation with those who are committed to re-establishing an appropriate maternity service for the Milton Ulladulla community.
As I have said before, I understand the local community has an expectation that they will be able to access all health services as close to home as possible.
As a health service, we have a fundamental responsibility to balance that expectation with ensuring we can provide strong, quality health services that can be delivered safely and within the hospital’s capacity.
M. Mains, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
Thoroughly entertaining
Congratulations to The Entertainers. A group of us locals saw the show last Friday night. It was entertaining and lots of fun with audience participation encouraged.
They all deserve a big pat on the back as do all of the behind the scenes helpers.
I am looking forward to next year.
