By Dave Andrews

ROSEBERY -- A massive, community-based battle has erupted over the threatened closure of the new hospital here on Tasmania's west coast.

The state Department of Community and Health Services (DC&HS) announced on May 13 that it intends to convert the hospital, built only 15 months ago, into a "nine to five" service centre, eliminating in-patient care.

West coast miners and their families, who campaigned for years and organised contributions of nearly $200,000 to obtain the hospital, are outraged. In response to the government's threats, the Rosebery Hospital Action Committee has organised a campaign to save the hospital.

On May 21, nearly 500 people braved cold, damp conditions to attend a public meeting which voted unanimously for a resolution moved by RHAC chairperson Ian Jamieson to launch mass protest actions.

The resolution called for the hospital to remain open; offer 24-hour, seven-days-a-week in-patient hospital cover; and provide accident and emergency facilities to service mines and the whole region.

The meeting resolved to begin consultations with the DC&HS on the basis that regional and long-term factors, such as social and economic conditions in the region, are addressed.

Jamieson told Green Left Weekly, "This campaign could well include large rallies of west coast residents in Hobart and public meetings throughout the state. But it will need the active support of all people in Tasmania who believe in all people's right to accessible, good quality health care."

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