THE 10,000 signatures needed so the future of Bulli Hospital can be

debated on the floor of NSW Parliament has almost been achieved.

Last year State MP for Keira, Ryan Park was joined by the Opposition Leader, Shadow Minister for the Illawarra John Robertson to launch a petition seeking urgent upgrades to Bulli Hospital.

Mr Park has been collecting signatures ever since.

“The goal was for 10,000 signatures so that when the petition was presented to the NSW Parliament, it could be debated on the floor. This would mean the Minister [Jillian Skinner] would have to come clean about her plans for the future of Bulli Hospital,” Mr Park said.

“I have received a positive response to the petition with well over 8,500 signatures already received, I am now urging any resident that has not yet signed to get in contact with me so they can show their support.

“The future of Bulli Hospital as a vital health care facility for the northern Illawarra suburbs is important for the local residents. I hope we can quickly reach the goal of 10,000 signatures so we can send a very clear message to the Minister that we expect Bulli to be upgraded,” Mr Park said.

“This hospital is one that is close to the heart of the local community. It is a 58 bed hospital that is in need of upgrading to keep up with the increasing demand for heath care in the Illawarra,” he said.

Opposition Leader John Robertson joined Mr Park at Bulli Hospital on Friday calling for.extra resources to be delivered to Bulli.

“Families in the Illawarra need to have confidence that Bulli Hospital will be there for them – whether by day or the middle of the night,” Mr Robertson said.

More: ABC News