Monday 14 November 2009
LABOR’S FRONTLINE HEALTH CUTS LEAVE PARRAMATTA PATIENTS STUCK IN EMERGENCY
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the NSW Labor Government’s decision to cut frontline hospital staff has resulted in many emergency patients waiting too long for treatment in Westmead Hospital emergency department.
The latest emergency department performance figures show 36 per cent of patients with an imminently life threatening condition waited longer than 10 minutes for treatment and 57 per cent of patients with a potentially life threatening condition waited longer than 30 minutes for treatment at Westmead Hospital.
“Whilst the incompetent State Labor Government is busy tearing itself apart with factional infighting patients needing emergency treatment at Westmead Hospital have been left waiting too long for treatment,” Mrs Skinner said.
“Labor’s wrong decision to cut hospital funding in the mini‑budget has resulted in hundreds of nurses being axed from the state’s hospitals, meaning people are waiting longer for treatment,” she said.
“As well as axing nurses, Labor has closed 1,500 hospital beds over the last 14 years, creating major blockages in the state’s emergency departments.
“14 years of failed Labor policies mean the people of Parramatta are not getting the health services they need and deserve.
“Labor’s health policies have failed.
“Nothing in NSW will change until there is a change of government in NSW.
“For there to be a change of Government in NSW there needs to be a State Liberal MP representing Parramatta.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have clear health policies, like removing Labor’s failed Area Health Services and replacing them with Health Districts with local Boards that will re‑empower local communities and expert clinicians.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are united, positive and have clear plans for real change,” Mrs Skinner said.