Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, has joined calls for an emergency ward to be included in plans for the new Rouse Hill Hospital, to ensure the Hawkesbury’s existing services are not overwhelmed as the population grows.

Despite the north-west area being one of the fastest growing in Sydney, the twice-promised hospital is set to be constructed without an emergency unit.

Neighbouring Federal MP, Michelle Rowland, the Member for Greenway, has started a petition calling for the new unit to be included in the hospital plans.

“Thousands of people have moved to the north-west area in recent years. To think that plans exist for a new hospital for the area without an emergency ward just seems incredible,” Ms Templeman said.

“One of the obvious consequences of failing to provide an essential emergency department is that more people will land at the door of Hawkesbury Hospital.

“The last thing Hawkesbury residents need is to be competing with patients from the rapidly expanding north-west when they need emergency treatment.

“There is well and truly a case for an emergency unit to be included in this new facility.”

Residents in the North-West should have the same quality healthcare services as people living in other parts of Sydney, Ms Rowland said.

“That means having access to emergency treatment close to home,” Ms Rowland said.

“Riverstone, Schofields and Vineyard are rapidly expanding, and yet the closest emergency department is at Windsor, while the closet public hospital in Blacktown City with an emergency ward is near the Blacktown CBD.

“It’s unacceptable, and local families deserve better.”