Between 350 and 400 supporters of the Kapunda Hospital turned out last Wednesday to share their frustration with the Country Health Care Plan that will downgrade their facility.

By 10am when Graham Gunn, State Liberal Member for Stuart, picked up the microphone people were spilling onto the street in front of the Light Regional Council Office in Kapunda.

“As long as I’m your member I’ll stick up for your hospital,” Graham Gunn promised the crowd, who responded with applause.

Dr Robert Lecons and Light Mayor Robert Hornsey also addressed the gathering.

“I have enormous concerns,” Dr Lecons said.

“Doctors will leave as the hospital is downgraded and there will be little to no incentive for new doctors.”

Robert Hornsey said it was “great” to see so many people get together to show support for the hospital.

“These cuts are at odds to the growth in the region being supported by the Sate Government,” Mr Hornsey said.

The Mayor said it was important that everyone who had made the effort to attend the rally let the Government know what they think of the Country Health Plan.

Graham Gunn said it was a pity John Hill, the State Health Minister, could not see the Kapunda response, but in reality the minister was not invited to the quickly organised public display.