Reprieve for Long Jetty Hospital

Last Friday the Grapevine reported that the former Long Jetty Hospital’s future was hanging precariously and unlikely to continue as a public health facility. Member for The Entrance, David Mehan, has now confirmed that the former hospital will be renovated and upgraded.

10 March 2023

CENTRAL Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has allocated $1.6million to the upgrade the Long Jetty Hospital. Work will commence in April and should be completed by the end of June.

A range of allied health services will be established at Long Jetty, including community health nurses and an expanded palliative care unit.

Mr Mehan welcomed the news but noted his hope that the investment in Long Jetty will continue. “Long Jetty is the perfect location for one of these new Urgent Care Service centres,” he said.

The NSW Government has already announced plans to establish 25 Urgent Care Service centres across the state.  These Centres are in addition to the 13 Urgent Care Clinics being provided by the Commonwealth.

CCLHD estimate that 20% of people currently presenting at the Coasts two emergency departments could be seen at the new Long Jetty Health Centre.

A review of health services provided by Long Jetty Hospital strongly backed Mr Mehan’s view.  In a first for our region, Mr Mehan sought and obtained agreement from CCLHD that the community would be able to have input into the Hospital Review.

A total of 371 submissions were received from the community.  These made it clear that the community expects Long Jetty to continue as a public health facility providing services to the local community.

“I have worked hard to ensure the views of my community were acted on by Central Coast Local Health District and I’m pleased to see the effort put into this endeavour by CCLHD staff.  We have a great public health system on the Central Coast and the new Long Jetty Health Centre will make it even better,” Mr Mehan said

“I want to thank my community for supporting my efforts to protect Long Jetty and improve public health in our region.”