Welcome to the information
site for Bellinger Health Action Group (BHAG)*

 This website exists to keep the local community informed of the unfolding developments around the threat to services at Bellingen hospital as well as to share information with others concerned about rural health services in NSW and around the country.

It is also meant to enable the public to participate in the fight to ensure that Bellingen Hospital is able to provide for the health care needs of this community into the future.

NSW Minister for Health, Carmel Tebbutt is currently considering the recommendations made by the NCAHS following a review of the 21 hospitals in the region.  It appears to be a real and present danger that Bellingen River District Hospital might lose Acute Care Beds, Maternity and Surgical Services, and even Accident and Emergency services.  

The Federal Government recently signed up all states and territories (with the exception of WA) to a new health funding agreement. The proposal mentions the formation of hospital clusters with local boards. BHAG is currently seeking clarification of the details of the proposal in order to formulate our position in the best interest of our community. We are also calling for a halt to any further changes or cuts to services in view of these new arrangements which will hopefully allow for more local determination.

Please click on “What’s new” for the latest updates of our campaign as expressed in Newspaper articles.