Consultant delivers report on Ouse Hospital
Posted
Staff and hospital supporters fear a population decline in the upper Derwent Valley. (ABC News: Cate Grant)
Residents of Tasmania's Central Highlands fear its population will decline following an independent consultant's finding that a multi-purpose health service is not viable for the Ouse hospital.
The finding was handed down at a crowded public meeting in the town hall last night.
The state and federal governments commissioned a review into health services in the Central Highlands region after community outcry over a plan to downgrade the hospital at Ouse.
Residents lobbied for a multi-purpose health service.
But Independent Consultant Marguerite Tohl ruled against it, because of low numbers of admissions and staff shortages at the hospital.
Ouse resident Charlotte Pitt says the finding will have a devastating effect on the community.
"I think people will move away," Ms Pitt said.
The Central Highlands Mayor, Diedre Flint, agrees.
"I continually hear from the elderly residents that they feel unsafe if the hospitals not there. So yes they really are going to see a decline in population," Councillor Flint said.
She says the community is likely to fight the ruling.
