Monday 23 November 2009

34 REASONS WHY LABOR HAS FAILED MOTHERS IN RURAL AND REGIONAL NSW

The State Labor Government has abandoned women in regional and rural NSW by closing 34 maternity units, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.

“After 14 years of State Labor Government in NSW, mothers in rural and regional NSW have 34 fewer maternity units – putting patient care at risk,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The State Labor Government has abandoned mothers in regional and rural NSW,” she said.

“Hospitals from across NSW have had their birthing capabilities cut under this State Labor Government.

“Labor simply doesn’t care about young mothers who don’t live in a big city.

“Over the past 14 years, NSW Labor has shut down birthing units at:

Camden
Coonabarabran
Ballina
Balranald
Barham
Brewarrina
Cessnock
Cobar
Condobolin

Coolah
Coonamble Corowa
Crookwell
Finley
Gilgandra
Hay
Lake Cargelligo

Maclean
Merriwa
Narromine
Nyngan
Oberon
Pambula
Quirindi
Tenterfield
Walcha

Walgett
Warialda
Warren
Wauchope
Wee Waa
Wellington
West Wyalong
Yass

“These closures put added pressure on nearby, larger hospitals, which means the affects of these closures are felt far beyond the local community.

“For many mothers, the closures also mean they now have to travel for as long as three hours to hospital when they go into labour.

“Labor will trot out all the usual excuses about being unable to recruit staff, but mothers have heard it all before – they just want to be able to give birth closer to family and friends.

“A NSW Liberals & Nationals State Government will remove Labor’s broken Area Health Services and create smaller Health Districts with local boards – putting your health in local hands,” Mrs Skinner said.