The need for a CT scanner in Milton, the lack of maternity services locally and the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District Board were issues spoken about in South Coast MP Shelley Hancock’s opening address. 

Milton Ulladulla Hospital Auxiliary president Ucki Dean said 12 branches attended the conference, which is biennial. 

“The idea is to get everyone in our region together and talk about what is happening in our hospitals, different fundraising we are doing and how we are helping patients in hospital,” she said. 

“It also gives an opportunity for our state president to come and speak with us to give us an update on what is happening on a bigger scale.” 

Mrs Dean said guest speaker Gayle Dunn spoke about the work the Dunn Lewis Foundation was doing for the district’s youth. 

“That was of great interest to the members,” she said. 

While opening the conference, Mrs Hancock said “this is going to be my controversial comment for the day; I don't think the Illawarra and Shoalhaven health board represents Milton [hospital]”. 

“I don’t think we even know who is on that board,” she continued. 

“We need to make sure each of our hospitals are equally represented on these boards.” 

Mr Hancock also spoke of her “frustration” at the lack of maternity services at Milton Ulladulla Hospital. However, she did say pushing for a CT scanner at the hospital was a priority. 

“We need a CT scanner for Milton, there is no doubt about that. The veterinarians have them for god’s sake,” she said. 

“When Gladys [Berejiklian, the NSW Premier] was on the South Coast recently, I told her this and she said, ‘We will make it happen’.”