Shellharbour Hospital urgently needs a dedicated paediatric ward to provide vital healthcare services for children in the Illawarra and South Coast regions. Please join us in calling for the inclusion of paediatric inpatient and outpatient services in the hospital's $700-million redevelopment plan. 

 

We, the concerned residents of the Illawarra and South Coast regions, call upon the Honourable Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales to address the critical need for paediatric healthcare services in our community.

 

Currently, Shellharbour Hospital does not provide paediatric inpatient or outpatient care. Families in need of these essential services are forced to travel to Wollongong or Shoalhaven hospitals, which together only offer 36 paediatric beds for the entire Illawarra and Shoalhaven District. This lack of local care places an undue financial and emotional burden on families and compromises the health and well-being of our children.

 

 

 

The $700 million Shellharbour Hospital redevelopment promises modernised healthcare facilities but lacks plans for paediatric services. This oversight fails to address the growing needs of our youngest and most vulnerable community members. 

 

We urge the Legislative Assembly to act immediately by:

 

1. Allocating funding for a dedicated paediatric ward at Shellharbour Hospital.

 

2. Ensuring the hospital's redevelopment includes comprehensive paediatric inpatient and outpatient services.

 

Access to high-quality healthcare should not depend on the distance a family can travel. Our children deserve better. 

 

By signing this petition, you are advocating for the health and future of our community's children. Together, we can make a difference.

 

Please sign and help demand a dedicated paediatric ward at Shellharbour Hospital.

 

Who the Petition Will Be Sent To:

 

• The Honourable Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast

 

• Anna Watson, Member for Shellharbour

 

• Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Member for Wollongong

 

• NSW Health Infrastructure

 

• Stephen Jones, Federal Member for Whitlam