“Some work has already been completed, but additional work is required,” MLHD advised The Free Press on November 5.
“As part of the process for obtaining quotes for this additional work, MLHD has sought advice, and the advice is now being reviewed.”
Surgery at Corowa Health Service has been paused temporarily to allow for required maintenance.
In the interim period, MLHD stated it is continuing to work with individual patients who require planned surgery to ensure they receive care within appropriate timeframes.
“Where appropriate, arrangements are being made for patients to undergo their procedures at a nearby facility,” was included in the MLHD response to The Free Press.
“The district has been in communication with staff, clinicians, patients and other stakeholders in relation to the temporary pause and will continue to provide appropriate updates. We apologise for any inconvenience this is causing the Corowa community.”
On November 14, MLHD’s advised it is proceeding with equipment upgrades that will allow the resumption of surgical endoscopy services.
“Work will be undertaken as soon as possible, with endoscopy services expected to be able to resume at the facility in early 2025,” the statement said.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing the Corowa community, and we thank them for their patience as these important upgrades are completed.”
Six months after closure in May, local professionals and the community are still waiting to find out when maintenance will be completed, and the facility will be reopened.
The Rural Doctors’ Association of NSW (RDANSW) is seeking commitment from the MLHD the Corowa Operating Theatre will not be permanently closed and that the theatre can re-open as soon as possible.
President, RDA NSW Dr Rachel Christmas said the MLHD was previously advised it was waiting to receive three quotes for the required maintenance work which includes replacing HEPA filters in the theatre.
“We understand the quotes have now been received and that approval is needed for the work to be completed,” she said.
“Our rural doctor members are very concerned that while the theatre is closed, local patients can’t have procedures, including colonoscopies, done in the local hospital, but are being required to be booked in and travel to Albury Wodonga Public Hospital (AWPH) for their procedures.
“As well as the cost of travel, there is the stress and inconvenience to patients who also need to organise a driver to take a day off to transport them to and from the hospital…as well as the flow-on impact for AWPH.”
Dr Christmas said that another major concern is the risk of losing medical professionals from the Corowa Hospital who will need to find work in other hospitals so they can maintain their skills.
“This could include operating theatre nurses, the visiting surgeon, the GP Anaesthetist, etcetera,” she said.
“We know from experience that clinicians usually become settled somewhere else if the alternative location offers the certainty of work that they need.
“It is already difficult enough to recruit medical professionals to Corowa due to the increasing demand across Australia for them, and the higher rates offered in other states – we don’t need yet another hurdle!”
Local General Practitioner and Visiting Medical Officer in Corowa, Dr Heinz Deiter, has previously expressed his shock at the situation.
“The temporary closure of our operating theatre in May was a huge shock to the doctors, nurses and patients in Corowa,” he said last week.
“We are determined not to lose this service and need certainty that the Corowa Operating Theatre will re-open soon.”
