THE State Health Department has moved to quell fears the Government is wavering in its promise for 20 new public beds at Forster Private Hospital.
The hospital has been given a minor facelift, but the new arrivals will not be rubberstamped for several months.
A recent refurbishment delivered cosmetic upgrades like newly painted rooms and more comfortable mattresses.
The new beds were originally expected before June 30, but Forster Private general manager Karon Devenish now hopes they will arrive “before Christmas”.
She blamed the delay on an unprecedented litany of administrative headaches.
“This kind of arrangement has never been done before in the State,” Ms Devenish said.
“It’s the first time a private hospital will accommodate public patients long-term.”
The wait has also been lengthened by Hunter New England Health’s checklist.
“The health service wants to be assured we’ll provide service as good as other hospitals, which of course we will,” Ms Devenish said.
The health service said it is pleased so far with the hospital’s conditions since its takeover in April by logistics giant Pulse Health.
“This process has taken a bit longer than anticipated, but we’re satisfied we are now in a position to negotiate with Pulse Health,” Hunter New England population health director Kim Browne said.
Myall Lakes Nationals MP John Turner blamed Health Minister Reba Meagher for the drawn-out process.
“Instead of just getting on with providing the beds, the Minister has thrown up barrages of red tape,” Mr Turner said.
“This has gone on far too long. The Minister must intervene and fast-track the provision of the promised beds.”
Ms Devenish agreed the delays were frustrating, but expects negotiations to build momentum now that Pulse has been told what to provide.
“There are a lot of convoluted processes that have to be followed with government departments, and they should be followed because taxpayers’ money is at stake,” she said.
Pulse managing director Peter Mangles said the hospital will finalise its submission to the Health Service next week, the next step toward welcoming the new public patients.
The beds will be for low acuity patients, who do not require high level care.
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