Central Coast health services will be run by its own Health District, oversighted by a Board with local community representatives and health professionals under a NSW Liberals & Nationals plan to better focus on the needs of families.

NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell made the announcement in Wyong today, along with Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Chris Hartcher.

“Labor’s massive area health services have failed local communities, including families living on the Central Coast,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“After consulting health professionals and the community, the resounding message has been the need to give the Central Coast a greater say in the running of their health services,” he said.

“The separate Central Coast Health District with its own Board will have the authority to ensure Central Coast health needs are better met,” Mr O’Farrell said.

Mrs Skinner said the Central Coast Health District will deliver health services run by locals, for locals, to better focus on the needs of Central Coast patients rather than the needs of North Sydney bureaucrats.

“The Central Coast Health District Board will manage its own budget to meet specific local needs,” Mrs Skinner said.

“It will be better placed to attract staff, so hospitals can better provide emergency, maternity and other specialist care. It will fast track the establishment of radiotherapy treatment on the Coast, and provide aged care and rehabilitation close to where people live,” she said.

Mr Hartcher said the announcement was an important step in the NSW Liberal’s positive, practical plans to give the Central Coast recognition as a region in its own right.

“At a public meeting at The Entrance Surf Club a fortnight ago, there was a strong desire for a separate Central Coast Health District focussed on improving health services for the region,” Mr Hartcher said.

“This announcement confirms that Barry O’Farrell and Jillian Skinner have heard that message loud and clear.

“Labor’s massive Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service has failed the region by starving it of a fair share of resources and ignoring the views of frontline health professionals and the community.

“Today’s announcement shows only a NSW Liberal & Nationals Government have the positive, practical plans needed to recognise the Central Coast as a region in its own right,” Mr Hartcher said.