Many local businesses, including Forbes Shire Council, closed their doors on June 20, to join together in the Rally at Forbes Hospital to protest recent changes to services at Parkes Hospital.
“You have full support from Council in keeping all our medical services here at Forbes,” declared Deputy Mayor, Jenny Webb, Radiologist with the Forbes Hospital.
“We are passionately against the downgrading of any services both here at Forbes or at Parkes Hospital.”
“WNSWHEALTH Management is suggesting that maternity services be downgraded at Parkes leaving Maternity patients to come to Forbes for delivery, and that Forbes Elective Theatre cases be performed in Parkes, leaving emergency surgery including caesareans at Forbes. Is this a trade-off, or a compromise?” Councillor Webb asked the crowd. “Downgrading both Forbes and Parkes Hospital has the potential to put birthing women at risk in emergency situations as it will reduce the availability of theatre services to the Forbes community, and cut the level of experienced and skilled theatre staff.”
Councillor Webb pledged that “Forbes Shire Council has and will continue to advocate at all political levels to ensure that there are no cuts to any of our medical services.”