While the debate ramps up as to whether Tenterfield should relocate from Hunter New England Health (HNEH) to the Lismore-based Northern NSW Health District (see Letters to the Editor in this week’s Star), Tony Roberts has entered the fray as newly appointed health services manager at Tenterfield Hospital.
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Mr Roberts and his family have relocated from Bundaberg, where he ran the Mater Bundaberg Hospital as director of nursing. He is accompanied by his wife Anne and uni-student daughters Madeleine and Georgia.
Ironically, in the midst of arguably the worst heatwave Tenterfield has experienced, Mr Roberts said he and his family moved to Tenterfield for the milder climate, and for the four different seasons. They’ve been here a month and Mr Roberts said they’re enjoying the Tenterfield lifestyle.
“It seems to be a town with a soul,” he said.
Mayor Peter Petty said he welcomed the new hospital manager to the appointment and would work through current concerns about the health service along with local member Thomas George.
“We’ll be listening to the community and be supportive of their thoughts on the issues,” Cr Petty said.
“With the arrival of Tony, it reinforces our commitment to maintain and improve the health service in Tenterfield.”
MP Thomas George added his commitment to work with Mr Roberts and HNEH to pursue any needs and services required by Tenterfield Hospital.
“I’ve already had discussions with Hunter New England Health regarding these issues,” he said.
“The community can be assured that this (any change of health district) will be their decision, not politicians’. We want the best for the community, but we have to go through the process and that could take months.”
The community can be assured that this (any change of health district) will be their decision, not politicians’.
- Thomas George
Cr Petty said having this conversation about services was healthy for the community, and he urged people to participate.
