“We are working through our approach to implementing the changes announced by the minister, and the new arrangements will be in place by July 1.”

In the Hunter New England Health Area, there are 26 clinicians on the southern council (that encompasses Newcastle and Lake Macquarie facilities) and 14 on the northern council.

The purpose of these councils is to provide a forum for clinicians to advise the chief executive and executive on issues.

The plans will see the councils have more power.

Robert Coombs, Swansea State MP - I think the three hospitals in our area – Belmont, John Hunter and The Mater all do an excellent job.

I think we meet worldwide standards in health care.

But we have to consider the ageing population and spend more money on health.

There is a lot of waste in our current system with the duplication of services; hopefully the new system will fix it.

My initial reaction is welcoming, but I’d love to see more of the details.

I’m yet to be convinced on the idea of a local council board.

Sonia Hornery, Wallsend State MP - I am sure experienced doctors and nurses will have much to contribute in discussions about budgeting, clinical directions and the provision of services in our hospitals.

By giving them a voice in the operation of hospitals, we are adv-ancing towards our common goal to provide high quality care to patients, no matter where they live.

However, based on the Prime Minister's statement, it appears that funding for health will not be increased in the short term, therefore how will the current situation be improved without additional funding?

Jill Hall, Shortland Federal MP - I see this as a step forward.

You could have every-thing stay the same and nothing will change.

Our area has one of NSW’s oldest populations and we have to give con-siderations to an ageing population.

If we don’t do some-thing, we will fall further behind.

We need to be able to deliver services , and this is the answer that will deliver to the people.

Matthew Morris, Charlestown State MP, I support the need for changes to the health system, and look forward to NSW working with the Commonwealth on reforms.

The Commonwealth must demonstrate that additional funding will be provided to meet increased demand, and that the proposed organisational arrang-ements deliver better patient care.

Greg Piper, Lake Macquarie State MP - It is probably too early for me to comment on the plan.

There are lots of imp-lications, some good, some bad, depending on your point of view.

I believe overall it will be beneficial and the way NSW has been heading with health costs and expenditure, it seems inevitable that there would have been some Federal intervention at some stage.

>> All local State and Federal MPs were invited to comment.

Submissions were not received from Newcastle Federal MP Sharon Grierson, Newcastle State MP Jodi McKay and Cessnock State MP Kerry Hickey.

Charlton Federal MP Greg Combet’s office said he was too busy with the Emissions Trading Scheme.