Local MP, Gareth Ward, is continuing his quest to keep the sale of David Berry Hospital in public hands, calling on NSW Health Minister Ryan Park to release the results of a recent community survey of which many Kiama residents took part. 

The survey, which concluded on Monday 21 October, has been accused of bias by Ward. 

“This survey was skewed, and many members of the community felt that the government guided the questions in order to get the answers they wanted. In spite of those thoughts, our community wants to see the results and I call on the Minister for Health to release them,” Mr Ward said in a press release.

Another point of concern for Mr Ward is the original intention of the donation by The Berry family, which, from the survey questions, is seemingly being ignored.

“Of particular concern is that one of the survey options is to turn the David Berry Hospital site into social and affordable housing. The Berry family gifted this land as a health facility, and I would be strongly opposed to closing the hospital and turning the site into housing,” said Ward.

Mr Ward sent a letter to Mr Park calling for the release of these results and invited him to support his bill. 

“I am keen to work with your office on the future operations of David Berry Hospital and to reflect the community’s views on these matters.

“I note that you have previously committed to take up my request by amend(ing) the David Berry Hospital Act to prevent any future government from selling the site.

“I would like to request further information on your proposed bill or I invite you to support my bill which will preserve the Berry family’s bequest in perpetuity,” wrote Ward.

However, the promised bill is yet to be seen. 

“I don’t trust this government when it comes to David Berry Hospital. Whilst they have promised to introduce a bill to rule out its sale, we are still yet to see the promised bill come before Parliament.

“I have a bill before the house to do exactly that and I call on Labor to match the pledge by the Coalition to back the bill.

“Our local community wants to keep David Berry Hospital in public hands and I won’t stop campaigning until the future of this site is certain and confirmed,” Mr Ward concluded.