As the federal health ministry is realigning the health district boards, there are also issues being raised about continued funding for hospitals in the Murrumbidgee Local Health Network.

Health Minister, Jillian Skinner passed an amendment to the Health Services Act that saw 15 NSW Health Networks turn into Health Districts and Network Governing Councils turn into Health District Boards. Prior to the restructuring, health officials that were appointed under the old Labor government were nervous to lose their jobs. Minister Skinner said that the restructuring will not include staff decisions and that board members would not have to reapply for posts.

The new government had branded NSW health districts too big before. Still, the Murrumbidgee district is considered to be reasonable in size. "If there is a need [for a smaller district] Mrs. Skinner will consider that and consult with the community", said a spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the local health boards are also demanding that the health ministry continues funding for the district’s central Wagga Base Hospital. Health official Lynda Summer was confident that the government would include the hospital in the budget it is releasing on Tuesday.

“It's clearly on every measure a critical piece of infrastructure for the region", Summer said.