Jillian Skinner MPMember for North Shore |
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These are press releases issued by Jillian Skinner since the March 2007 State election
PORTFOLIO PRESS RELEASE INDEX
Inconsistent infection control procedures in NSW public hospitals have increased the risk of patients suffering after their operation, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Saturday 10 May 2008"I believe the situation places patients in western Sydney at significant risk of morbidity." - Dr Rob Molnar 4 March 2008
"Unfortunately lives are being put at risk as we speak because people are having to wait on scene with people in serious conditions like heart attacks and burns.
"We've had examples of unfortunately ladies with threatened miscarriages in some of these stations that have been delayed in being transported because they've had to wait for ambulance officers and paramedics to come from adjoining towns." Jim Arneman – ALP candidate in last State and Federal elections.
Health Minister Reba Meagher’s claims that an Area Clinical Services Plan for Royal North Shore actually exists is news to staff working at the hospital, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 8 May 2008
Reba Meagher has failed to develop an Area Clinical Services Plan for Royal North Shore Hospital by April, as recommended by the Parliamentary Inquiry, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 9 May 2008“That management, clinicians, nurses and other staff at RNSH and across NSCCAHS commit as a matter of urgency to the development and implementation of a new Area Clinical Services Plan by April 2008.”
– Recommendation 16 Royal North Shore Inquiry 20/12/07“The Minister for Health sought a commitment that he (Meagher’s handpicked CEO) would develop an Area Clinical Services Plan within a six month timeframe. A Clinical Strategy Group was convened in December 2007 to take the lead on this important project. The Group has as its primary objective ‘to recommend to the Chief Executive the direction for clinical services within NSCCAHS, over the next ten years, by 30 April 2008’.” – Reba Meagher’s response to Royal North Shore Inquiry 22/2/08
The North Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service is $50 million over budget, forcing hospitals like Royal North Shore to borrow money from next year’s allocation to keep its doors open, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner revealed today. Thursday 8 May 2008
Shadow Minister for Health and Shadow Minister for the Arts Jillian Skinner and Shadow Minister for Women Pru Goward today visited the Parramatta Female Factory Precinct and called on the Iemma Labor Government to immediately abandon plans to house male prisoners including sex offenders at the site. Wednesday 30 April 2008
GARLING HEALTH INQUIRY MOVES TO TWEED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner has welcomed tomorrow’s arrival of the Garling Health Inquiry to Tweed Hospital, following the NSW Opposition successful push for hearings on the North Coast. Monday 28th April 2008“The NSW Government continues to deliver first rate new health facilities.” Morris Iemma at the opening of the Douglas Building 15 September 2003
Following reports of yet another hospital building regulations stuff up, Health Minister Reba Meagher must reveal how many other units in the Douglas Building at Royal North Shore Hospital are susceptible to the same problem, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.
Wednesday 23 April 2008Despite flagging increased regulation in the cosmetic surgery industry nearly two years ago, Morris Iemma has failed to take any action, instead reannouncing the same idea today, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Monday 21 April 2008“This is not just a moral argument. There is a health toll as well.” Morris Iemma 27 August 2006
In the wake of yet another Iemma Government bungle, this time in relation to rescue helicopter services, David Campbell articulated his own cynicism about the insincere lines Ministers are told to repeat over and over again for the media and the public, Deputy Opposition Leader Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 17 April 2008“The government is seriously, and you’ll go off about this, but the government seriously is about working to improve services for families in NSW.” David Campbell 2GB 17/4/08
ARTS FUNDING BUREAUCRACY ‘STIFLING INNOVATION’: REPORT
A review of the NSW Cultural Grants program has found bureaucratic red tape is stifling innovation within the Arts sector in this state, Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 15 April 2008Health Minister Reba Meagher will close the dialysis unit at Concord Hospital, forcing more than 80 elderly and infirm patients to seek treatment elsewhere, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 15 April 2008
NSW LIB/NATS WELCOME PROPOSAL FOR NEW DOCTOR LAWS – BUT WHY THE DELAY?
The Liberal/Nationals welcomed the Iemma Government’s moves to introduce a better system of dealing with complaints against doctors, but questioned how long it took Health Minister Reba Meagher, Health Shadow Minister Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 13 April 2008AFTER DEFENDING YOUNG TEEN MODELS YESTERDAY, IEMMA GOVT BACKFLIP WELCOME
After supporting the appearance of young teen models at Fashion Week yesterday, the Iemma Government’s sudden backflip on the issue is welcome, Deputy Opposition Leader Jillian Skinner said today. Saturday 12 April 2008AMBULANCE OFFICERS STRESSED AND OVERWORKED: LEAKED DOCUMENTS
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today revealed leaked documents shows the state’s Ambulance officers are stressed and overworked.Friday 11 April 2008
Despite being Health Minister for more than a year, Reba Meagher’s only policy announcement of Medical Assessment Units has been recycled and reannounced twice before, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today.Thursday 10 April 2008
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today launched a petition to keep a hydrotherapy pool at Royal North Shore Hospital.Thursday 10 April 2008
"It's unlikely he will move on them. He needs their support to keep the leadership." Senior Labor MP Daily Telegraph 9/4/08
Reba Meagher should be the first Minister to be moved in Morris Iemma’s impending reshuffle, and her replacement should be a Health Minister who will actually make improvements to the hospital network, Deputy NSW Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 9 April 2008Health Minister Reba Meagher has axed the subsidised accommodation promised to country families and carers supporting loved ones undergoing treatment at Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 8 April 2008“Alternative arrangements have been made a Royal North Shore Hospital to replace Rotary Lodge with a mixture of on-site and nearby off-site accommodation at no extra cost to carers.” – Reba Meagher in Parliament 17 October 2007
Figures posted on the Iemma Government’s own health website confirm that it is patients with life threatening and potentially serious conditions who are clogging emergency departments, not the less serious who could be seen by a GP, according to the NSW Opposition. Sunday 6 April 2008
Dr Tony O’Connell, NSW Health Director of Performance Improvement responding to reports manipulation of official hospital performance figures is widespread:
“There’s no evidence that this is widespread.” – AAP 24/3/08
It is an ‘outrageous claim’ – “There’s no evidence that I have that it has happened anywhere else.” SMH 25/3/08
“It’s really quite perverse.” SMH 25/3/08
“That’s nonsense” 2GB 25/3/08
After denying the doctoring of official performance figures in public hospitals was widespread last week, Health Minister Reba Meagher should come clean and reveal exactly how many hospitals are now under investigation for manipulating performance data, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 3 April 2008SKINNER URGES CLINICIANS TO MAKE MOST OF HEALTH INQUIRY RETURNING TO ROYAL NORTH SHORE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today urged clinicians and members of the public to get along to the second day of Health Inquiry public hearings at Royal North Shore Hospital next week. Saturday 29 March 2008ANOTHER HEALTH COST BLOWOUT: BLAYNEY MPS FUTURE AT RISK
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and The Nationals MLC for Bathurst Rick Colless today expressed concern over the future of the Blayney MPS following revelations of a 160% blowout in its cost. Friday 28 March 2008MORRIS IEMMA ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AS NSW LOSES OUT ON ALL FRONTS
Deputy NSW Opposition Leader Jillian Skinner said today Morris Iemma’s inaction, ineffectiveness and laziness has been on full display this week. Friday 28 March 2008MORRIS IEMMA OUT-FOXED BY ANNA BLIGH: NSW MISSES OUT ON ‘EXTRA’ HOSPITAL FUNDS
Morris Iemma has been hopelessly out-foxed by Queensland Premier Anna Bligh over hospital funding, Deputy NSW Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 27 March 2008The Iemma Government and Health Minister Reba Meagher continue to deny manipulating emergency waiting time data despite mounting evidence pointing to systemic doctoring of official figures, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 25 March 2008
MORRIS IEMMA HAS FORM ON DOCTORING HEALTH STATS: COALITION
Morris Iemma has form on doctoring health statistics and cannot be believed when his Government claims the problems are isolated, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner said today. Monday 24 March 2008IEMMA GOVT MUST PLAY PART TO RAISE ORGAN DONATION: COALITION
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on the Iemma Government to play a greater role in the promotion of organ donation. Saturday 22 March 2008SKINNER CONGRATULATES COMMUNITY FOR EFFORTS TO SAVE NERINGAH HOSPICE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today congratulated the residents of the Upper North Shore for their ongoing hard work in the successful fight to stop the closure of palliative care beds at Neringah Hospice. Wednesday 19 March 2008SKINNER COMMENDS HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS IN THE WORKPLACE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today congratulated employees at the Hydro Aluminium Smelter at Loxford for participating in an outstanding workplace fitness program. Wednesday 19 March 2008NURSES THE LATEST GROUP TO VOICE CONCERNS ABOUT DOCTOR REEVES
Nurses are the latest group to come forward, claiming their complaints about Dr Graeme Reeves, were ignored by health authorities, Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner and Member for Bega Andrew Constance said today. Sunday 16 March 2008CLINICIANS AND PUBLIC MUST MAKE VOICE HEARD AT RNS COMMISSION HEARING
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Ku-ring-gai MP Barry O'Farrell today called on clinicians and members of the public to make their voices heard at Friday's public hearing of the Special Health Commission at Royal North Shore Hospital. Wednesday 12 March 2008PUBLIC HEARINGS AREN'T PUBLIC UNLESS THEY ARE PUBLICISED: O'FARRELL
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell yesterday wrote to Special Commissioner Peter Garling over the Iemma Government's failure to alert hospital staff and the public to the public hearings being held this month as part of the health inquiry. Tuesday 11 March 2008COALITION WELCOMES MORRIS IEMMA'S DELAYED RESPONSE TO FILM INDUSTRY CRISIS
Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner today welcomed Morris Iemma's delayed reaction to the film and television industry crisis NSW. Sunday 9 March 2008LABOR'S MORGUE FAILURE PUTTING GRIEVING FAMILIES THROUGH MORE HEARTACHE
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said Labor's ongoing failure to address problems at the Westmead Morgue were putting grieving families through even more heartache. Sunday 9 March 2008Health Minister Reba Meagher is failing in yet another key area of health, with official figures showing ambulance response times are worse now, than at any other time over the past two years, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today.Sunday 9 March 2008
SPECIAL COMMISSION RESPONDS TO COALITION PUSH TO INVESTIGATE REEVES SCANDAL
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today welcomed advice from Special Commissioner Garling that the Government's health inquiry would investigate the Dr Graeme Reeves scandal. Thursday 6 March 2008Despite talking tough about her 'sacking' of a health planner in the wake of the Bathurst Hospital bungle, news that the bureaucrat has returned to work proves Health Minister Reba Meagher was never serious about getting to the bottom of this disaster, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 4 March 2008
MORRIS IEMMA REVERTS TO FORM: PLAYS THE MAN NOT THE BALL
Morris Iemma has reverted to form by playing the man and not the ball after launching an extraordinary personal attack on Barry O'Farrell in the Parliament today following forensic Opposition questioning, Deputy NSW Opposition Leader Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 27 February 2008Member for Bathurst Gerard Martin has admitted he has not been in close contact with medical staff in his own electorate, despite a multi-million dollar hospital upgrade taking place under his nose, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 27 February 2008
Despite having five months to get to the bottom of why the NSW Health Department failed to undertake background checks before employing a doctor accused of mutilating female patients, Health Minister Reba Meagher has admitted she's done nothing, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 27 February 2008
Health Minister Reba Meagher must explain how a doctor barred by the Medical Board was given a contract to treat patients in public hospitals in NSW, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 24 February 2008
IEMMA GOVERNMENT INERTIA DELAYS ARTS GRANTS
Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner said today Iemma Government inertia was to blame for delays in the allocation of grants to arts companies. Friday 22 February 2008Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher are at odds over who to blame for the Bathurst Hospital building bungle, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 21 February 2008
MORRIS IEMMA AND REBA MEAGHER CAUGHT OUT ON BATHURST HOSPITAL PLANS
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell today demanded Reba Meagher finally come clean and reveal exactly what plans the construction company was given for Bathurst Hospital. Wednesday 20 February 2008"The resignation of senior management from Royal North Shore Hospital prove staff have no confidence that Health Minister Reba Meagher is committed to fixing the facility's problems, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 20 February 2008
COALITION URGES COMMUNITY TO HAVESAY AT HEALTH INQUIRY
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and NSW Leader of The Nationals Andrew Stoner today urged the community make their concerns about the NSW health system known to the Special Commission of Inquiry. Monday 11 February 2008STEVE WHAN AND FRANK SARTOR NEGLECT LOCAL LIBRARIES AND ARTS CENTRE
Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner and The Nationals Duty MLC Melinda Pavey today slammed the Iemma Labor Government for their neglect of the Arts in Cooma. Friday 8 January 2008
ANOTHER DAMNING HEALTH REPORT: COALITION DEMANDS ROYAL COMMISSION
NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell today renewed calls for a Royal Commission into the ailing NSW health system following another damning report from the Auditor-General. Wednesday 6 February 2008LABOR MUST COME CLEAN ON PLANS FOR BLUE MOUNTAINS HEALTH SERVICES: SKINNER
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on Morris Iemma and Phil Koperburg to come clean on their plans for Blue Mountains health services. Monday 4 February 2008Victims of the NSW health system will not be able to tell their stories to the Iemma Government's health inquiry, with the terms of reference making it clear they will be fobbed-off to the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC), NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 30 January 2008
public Royal Commission must be held into the NSW health system where hearings are held in open court, as recommended by Coroner Milovanovich, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 24 January 2008
LABOR'S NURSE RECRUITMENT FAILING: NEARLY A THIRD HAVE ALREADY LEFT
Freedom Of Information documents obtained by the NSW Opposition show that nearly a third of experienced nurses recruited through the Nurse Re-connect program have already left the health system, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 6 January 2008
NURSE GRADUATES WON'T STAY WITHOUT SUPPORT
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on Health Minister Reba Meagher to ensure new nurse graduates have experienced nurse mentors and educators to help them settle into pressured work on the wards. January 3rd 2008
The Iemma Government is making NSW patients pay the price for its failure to deliver health services in NSW, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. December 31 2007
DEATH
CONFIRMS STATE'S HOSPITAL CRISIS
The death of an 8 year-old boy after he was sent home by two Sydney hospitals
highlighted the Iemma Government's continued failure to adequately resource
the State's emergency departments, NSW Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell
and Shadow Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 30 December
2007
RNSH INQUIRY DISSENTING REPORT: GOVT VOTED DOWN VITAL RECOMMENDATIONS
While the Royal North Shore Hospital inquiry has successfully identified the major problems at the facility, Government members of the committee consistently voted down recommendations that would provide real solutions, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health Jenny Gardiner said today. Thursday 20 December 2007
NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL DELAYED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today demanded Health Minister Reba Meagher come clean on what health services will be guaranteed in the Northern Sydney/Central Coast Area Health region with revelations today the State Government's plan for a major hospital in Sydney's northern beaches has been significantly delayed. Saturday 15 December 2007
IEMMA MUST APOLOGISE TO FAMILY OF JEHAN NASSIF
Morris Iemma must issue an immediate public apology to the family of 18-year-old meningococcal victim Jehan Nassif who would have been alive today were it not for failures of the NSW health system, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 6 December 2007
MEAGHER CUTS MENTAL HEALTH BEDS AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL
Leaked documents show Reba Meagher has closed four mental health beds at Royal North Shore Hospital, placing even more pressure on the emergency department and leaving the mentally ill without adequate health resources, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 6 December 2007
REBA FAILS TO LISTEN TO DOCTORS' ADVICE AGAIN
Health Minister Reba Meagher has again failed to listen to the advice of frontline doctors in relation to the number of emergency doctors needed to address the chronic shortfall in NSW, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 4 December 2007
NSW NEEDS DEDICATED BRAIN INJURY RECOVERY CENTRE: IEMMA MUST FOLLOW VICTORIAN LEAD
Morris Iemma must establish a dedicated brain injury recovery centre to help patients who are slow to recover from acquired brain injuries and help them lead a normal life, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 4 December 2007
DAY OF ACTION PROVES AMBULANCE OFFICERS HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN REBA MEAGHER
Hardworking ambulance officers taking part in industrial action today have little faith that Health Minister Reba Meagher will address their concerns, or is even listening to what frontline staff are telling her, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today. Monday 3 December 2007
REBA MEAGHER CONFIRMS: OPPOSITION WAS RIGHT ABOUT ROYAL NORTH SHORE BUDGET CUTS
An answer to a question on notice given by Health Minister Reba Meagher has confirmed the NSW Opposition was right about Royal North Shore budget figures, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Friday 30 November 2007
SKINNER ADDRESSES NSW PUBLIC LIBRARIES DAY OF ACTION
NSW Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner today addressed the NSW Public Libraries Day of Action protest at Parliament House, calling on the Iemma Labor Government to stop slashing the budgets of public libraries. Thursday 29 November 2007
IEMMA GOVERNMENT INCOMPETENCE: QUADRIPLEGIC HEADING TO HOSPITAL FOR NEW YEAR
A 26-year-old quadriplegic is facing the prospect of spending months in hospital after being forced to leave his home on Boxing Day without alternate accommodation being organised by the Iemma Labor Government, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner. Wednesday 28 November 2007
IEMMA GOVT HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS MORGUE BACKLOG: FAMILY DESERVES ANSWERS
The family of a 39-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn son who both died suddenly five months ago after being taken to Campbelltown Hospital still have no official explanation as to why she died, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 27 November 2007
LEAKED HEALTH BRIEF WARNED IEMMA GOVT OF BACKLOG OF CASES AT WESTMEAD MORGUE
A leaked NSW Health memo warned the Iemma Labor Government that there was an ongoing 'overall State problem' with forensic pathology services that would lead to a backlog of cases to occur at Westmead morgue, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 27 November 2007
NURSES STILL FEAR REPRISALS FROM IEMMA GOVT EVEN WHEN GIVING EVIDENCE IN SECRET
The fact evidence will be given by nurses in private at today's hearings of the parliamentary inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital confirms the State's hospital crisis and the need for a wider, judicial inquiry into the hospital's problems, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said today. Monday 26 November 2007
BED SHORTAGES, UNSAFE STAFFING LEVELS, LIVES AT RISK, STAFF AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT: RPA ANOTHER RNS
Reports of bed shortages, unsafe staffing levels, lives being put at risk and staff afraid to speak out at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital should be immediately addressed by Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Friday 23 November 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT MACARTHUR HOSPITALS
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT WESTMEAD HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT BLUE MOUNTAINS HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT NEPEAN HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT CENTRAL COAST HOSPITALS
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT TAMWORTH HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT MAITLAND HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT DUBBO HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT ILLAWARRA HOSPITALS
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
WINTER OVER BUT EMERGENCY PATIENTS STILL WAIT AT ST GEORGE AND SUTHERLAND HOSPITALS
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures recently published on the NSW Health website. November 21st 2007
MEAGHER IGNORES ADVICE FROM DOCTORS ON HOSPITAL BEDS, FAILS TO PROVIDE STAFF
Reba Meagher announcement of 250 extra beds when experts have advised that she needs to re-open 1,600 of the 2,300 beds her government has closed show she has no idea how to fix our hospitals, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Monday 19 November 2007
NURSES 'FEARS' MUST FORCE MORE INQUIRY TIME
Revelations that nurses were scared to give evidence to the inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital highlighted serious problems within the Department of Health and should force Labor to agree to extend the time available to the committee, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said today. Sunday 18 November 2007
LABOR PUT POLITICS AHEAD OF PATIENT CARE
The Iemma Government stands condemned for voting to restrict the length of the parliamentary inquiry into RNS, despite on-going revelations about the seriousness of the State's hospital crisis, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said today. Saturday 17 November 2007
MEAGHER'S MEDIA APPROACH TO HEALTH EXPOSED AGAIN: PRE-EMPTS HER OWN COMMITTEE
Reba Meagher's panicked announcement on hospital beds and staff has pre-empted her own Emergency Department Reference Committee, which has yet to report to her Ministerial Emergency Care Taskforce, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 15 November 2007
LABOR'S HOSPITAL BED SHAME: 2,300 BEDS CUT, HUNDREDS MORE EMERGENCY DOCTORS NEEDED
Health Minister Reba Meagher is playing catch up on hospital beds and her announcement will do nothing to seriously address the shortage of emergency physicians across NSW, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 15 November 2007
MEAGHER MUST START LISTENING AND APPOINT SPECIALIST FOR EMERGENCY OVERHAUL
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today said Reba Meagher can no longer ignore the need to open more beds, appoint more qualified staff and give doctors a real say in decision making following an open letter signed by 119 doctors highlighting the problems faced by emergency departments across NSW. Wednesday 14 November 2007
REBA MEAGHER MISLEADS PARLIAMENT ON NUMBER OF SURGERIES AT MT DRUITT HOSPITAL
Reba Meagher misled the Parliament this afternoon when she overstated the number of operations performed at Mt Druitt Hospital, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 8 November 2007
MT DRUITT HOSPITAL: 653 ON WAITING LIST, REBA MEAGHER TO CLOSE MORE SURGICAL BEDS
A leaked memo obtained by the NSW Opposition shows Reba Meagher is closing 21 surgical beds at Mt Druitt Hospital despite there being 653 people on the hospital's surgical waiting list, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 8 November 2007
REBA'S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS FAILING
Reba Meagher's health system has again failed after a 38 year-old-man complaining of severe chest pains was allowed to go home from a public hospital, only to return to a private facility where they told him he was having a heart attack and rushed into surgery, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 7 November 2007
MEMO REVEALS RNSH CLEAN-UP ORGANISED JUST BEFORE MP VISITS
Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner today called on Health Minister Reba Meagher to come clean with the public and admit contract cleaners were only sent into Royal North Shore Hospital after the Parliamentary Inquiry had decided to visit the facility. (see memo) Tuesday 6 November 2007
THOUSANDS OF EMERGENCY PATIENTS LEFT TO WAIT
NSW hospital emergency departments continued to struggle treating patients in the times considered appropriate for their condition according to figures just published on the NSW Health website. November 5th 2007
LONG DELAY IN SPERM DONOR LEGISLATION
Proposed new laws to assist donor children know who their fathers are has been a long time coming, according to the NSW Opposition. Sunday 4 November 2007
DOCTOR QUITS AND CLEANERS ARRIVE
Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner said events over the weekend demonstrated the Iemma Government's skewed priorities when it comes to use of resources at Royal North Shore Hospital. Sunday 4 November 2007
AMBULANCES BANKED UP AT EMERGENCY WAITING FOR UP TO 1,000 HOURS A MONTH
Leaked documents obtained by the NSW Opposition show ambulances are being forced to spend up to nearly 1,000 hours a month waiting to discharge their patients at emergency departments, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Friday 2 November 2007
COALITION RURAL HEALTH TASKFORCE FORMED
The NSW Opposition will establish a Coalition Rural Health Taskforce to listen to community concerns about local health care and create a stronger voice to lobby the NSW Labor government for change, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell announced today. November 1st 2007
REBA'S MISCARRIAGE WHITEWASH UNRAVELLING: RNSH DOCTORS LINE UP TO CRITICISE HORSKA REPORT
A letter endorsed by no less than 11 emergency specialists from Royal North Shore Hospital has described the farcical investigation into Jana Horska's miscarriage as 'extremely disappointing' and having 'major deficiencies' because it failed to mention the primary cause of the incident, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 1 November 2007
DOCTORS LABEL REBA MEAGHER'S RNSH MISCARRIAGE REPORT "A WHITEWASH"
The Australian College for Emergency Medicine has slammed Reba Meagher's report into Jana Horska's miscarriage at Royal North Shore Hospital as 'a whitewash', confirming everyone except the Health Minister thinks the process was nothing more than a political quick fix, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 31 October 2007
LABOR CUTS $18M FROM ROYAL NORTH SHORE/RYDE HOSPITALS, BUT FINDS $100,000 FOR NEW SPIN DOCTOR
Leaked budget documents reveal Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher plan to cut $18 million from Royal North Shore/Ryde Hospital, but will spend $100,000 on a new spin-doctor, NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 28 October 2007
MISCARRIAGE REPORT CONFIRMS ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL IS BEING STARVED OF RESOURCES
The farcical report released today by Reba Meagher into Jana Horska's tragic miscarriage confirms the Iemma Government is starving Royal North Shore Hospital of funding and resources, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Friday 26 October 2007
AMA TELLS MEAGHER TO END THE BLAME GAME: NSW 'THE WORST RATING IN AUSTRALIA' ON BEDS
'NSW teaching hospitals commonly operate on a bed occupancy rate of 95 per cent, the worst rating in Australia.' Australian Medical Association today
NSW's rating as the 'worst in Australia', confirms Labor's closure of 2,300 hospital beds is fuelling problems across the State's health system, State Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 25 October 2007
VITAL SURGERY DELAYED AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE: GOVERNMENT BLAMES DOCTORS… AGAIN
The State Labor Government has again sought to blame hospital staff for a two-month delay in vital surgery for Sara Claridge, a patient at Royal North Shore Hospital who needs an operation to remove pre-cancerous cells from her cervix, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 24 October 2007
MORRIS IEMMA MUST APOLOGISE FOR ATTACK ON WESTMEAD CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BOARD
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today said Morris Iemma must apologise to the members of the Westmead Children's Hospital Board after his disgraceful attack on hospital boards in Parliament today. Thursday 18 October 2007
LABOR USE THEIR NUMBERS TO PROTECT INCOMPETENT MEAGHER BUT IEMMA MISSING IN DEBATE
Labor has used its numbers in the Legislative Assembly to prevent the passing of a censure motion against Minister for Health Reba Meagher, but Morris Iemma was noticeably absent from the debate, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 18 October 2007
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY: TIMEFRAME MUST BE EXTENDED
Morris Iemma must start listening to doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and patients who are demanding the parliamentary inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital be extended until at least February next year, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Thursday 18 October 2007
LABOR'S NEGLECT RESULTS IN LONG WAITING LISTS FOR RADIOTHERAPY IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today expressed grave concerns about reports from Cancer Voices NSW and a senior radiologist that cancer patients are missing out on vital radiotherapy because of long waiting lists at public hospitals. Wednesday 17 October 2007
A spinal surgeon denied access to a Royal North Shore Hospital operating theatre despite a patient being at risk of paralysis further highlights the hospital has been starved of funding and why a full, independent judicial inquiry is needed, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Wednesday 17 October 2007
FRANK SARTOR REFUSES TO RULE OUT FURTHER CUTS TO PUBLIC LIBRARIES FUNDING
NSW Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner today said Frank Sartor refused to rule out further cuts to public libraries funding when answering questions under oath at the Arts Budget Estimates Committee Hearing on Monday. Tuesday 16 October 2007
REBA MEAGHER IGNORANT OF HOSPITAL PROTOCOLS
Reba Meagher has been exposed as being ignorant of a mandatory protocol for suspected miscarriages put in place in South West Sydney hospitals in response to a lack of State Government action, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Tuesday 16 October 2007
MEAGHER MUST CONFRONT EMERGENCY CRISIS OR RESIGN
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on Reba Meagher to stop denying the serious problems in our hospitals and start finding solutions to seriously overcrowded emergency departments or resign. Tuesday 16 October 2007
GP CLINIC WILL NOT ADDRESS PROBLEMS IN EMERGENCY AT RYDE AND ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITALS
Parading at the largely Federally funded Ryde after hours GP clinic will not help Reba Meagher solve the problems in the emergency departments at Ryde and Royal North Shore Hospitals, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Liberal Member for Lane Cove Anthony Roberts said today. Monday 15 October 2007
ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL INCIDENTS .....
A list of incidents at Royal North Shore Hospital
IEMMA'S HEALTH FAILURE: $6.8M SPENT ON AN UNUSED EMERGENCY WARD
Despite the Hornsby psychiatric
intensive care unit being completed in March, it is sitting idle because the
Iemma Government has failed to recruit the staff to run the vital facility,
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner
and Liberal Member for Hornsby Judy Hopwood said today.
Sunday 14 October 2007
ROYAL NORTH SHORE BULLYING DRIVING STAFF AWAY WHILE EMERGENCY RECRUITMENT FROZEN
Revelations today that bullying at Royal North Shore Hospital has resulted in five staff quitting further confirms the need for an independent inquiry into the facility, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Saturday 13 October 2007
X-RAY BACKLOG PUTTING LIVES AT RISK: YET ANOTHER REASON WHY MEAGHER MUST GO
Scandalous revelations that vital x-ray scans are not being examined in time to save people's lives is the latest appalling example of Reba Meagher's inability to run the NSW health system, NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Friday 12 October 2007
MEAGHER HAS NO SOLUTIONS AND MUST GO: CONTRADICTING DOCTORS AND SHUTTING THEATRES
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today it was time for Reba Meagher to go after the director of trauma at Royal North Shore contradicted her claims over patient care and operating theatres at Westmead were closed despite over 56,500 patients waiting for elective surgery - 1,423 of them at Westmead. Thursday 11 October 2007
TIME
FOR IEMMA TO ACT: MEAGHER MUST BE REPLACED
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian
Skinner today called on Morris Iemma to replace Reba Meagher with someone
who is prepared to tackle the problems in the health system head-on. Wednesday
10 October 2007
ANOTHER REASON FOR INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO ROYAL NORTH SHORE
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today condemned the Iemma Labor Government for failing to resource Royal North Shore Hospital. Wednesday 10 October 2007
Concerns about the on-going decline in State Government funding for NSW libraries and fears about the introduction of fees for people borrowing books were raised with the State Opposition during a meeting with representatives from nine Hunter local councils in Thornton today. Wednesday 10 October 2007
WHEN MINISTER TALKS ABOUT 'RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION TOLERANCE BAND' YOU KNOW PATIENTS ARE FORGOTTEN
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today Reba Meagher's bureaucratic responses to questions about Royal North Shore Hospital funding showed Labor has completely lost sight of patient care. Tuesday 9 October 2007
EMERGENCY VACANCIES UNFILLED AND MORE ROYAL NORTH SHORE HORROR STORIES
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today revelations that 1 in 5 jobs in emergency departments remain unfilled show health workers have no confidence that Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher can fix the problems in our hospitals. Tuesday 9 October 2007
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY INTO ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL SOUGHT
The NSW Liberal/Nationals will use the return of State Parliament next week to establish a parliamentary inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital following Morris Iemma's repeated refusal to hold an independent inquiry into problems at the health facility. Monday 8 October 2007
COMPLAINT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR INQUIRY INTO ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today a leaked complaint addressed to the Health Care Complaints Commission by staff at Royal North Shore Hospital was further evidence that an open, independent inquiry into the hospital is needed. Monday 8 October 2007
IEMMA MUST HONOUR HIS PROMISE: OPEN, INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL INQUIRY NEEDED
'I also gave him (Mr Dreyer) a personal assurance that if there is any matter that is not in the terms of reference that he wishes to have investigated, it will be investigated.' Morris Iemma in Parliament 26th September 2007
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today Morris Iemma must honour his promise to Mark Dreyer and hold an open, independent judicial inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital. Friday 5 October 2007
SECRET BULLYING REPORT REVEALS EVEN MORE PROBLEMS: INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO RNSH NEEDED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today a secret report into bullying and harassment at Royal North Shore Hospital added more weight to calls for a full, open, independent judicial inquiry into the facility. Friday 5 October 2007
IEMMA'S EMPTY PROMISE FAILS TO ADDRESS WIDER CONCERNS - HOSPITAL INQUIRY NEEDED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today demanded Morris Iemma stop trying to worm his way out of his promises and commit to a full, open and independent inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital. Thursday 4 October 2007
FAMILY FORCED TO CARE FOR DYING MOTHER AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL: FULL INQUIRY NEEDED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher could no longer ignore calls for a full, open and judicial-style inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital following yet another appalling incident. Thursday 4 October 2007
EMPTY EMERGENCY, HURRIED MEETINGS, POLICY ON THE RUN: WELCOME TO REBA MEAGHER'S HEALTH SYSTEM
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today an empty emergency department at Royal North Shore Hospital together with hurried meetings and policy on the run highlighted Reba Meagher's failure to deliver quality healthcare services to NSW families. Wednesday 3 October 2007
COALITION SUPPORT FOR RNS STAFF
Open Letter to Staff at Royal North Shore Hospital from Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner (sent via the NSWNA representative and the Chair of the Medical Staff Council)
'I am writing to thank you, the doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff at Royal North Shore Hospital, for the terrific job that you do everyday. I congratulate you for your ongoing hard work and dedication to patients, despite the NSW Government's neglect of the hospital'. October 2007
COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARDS A STEP FORWARD
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today welcomed calls for hospitals to be administered by a community appointed board, doing away with Labor's bloated and ineffective bureaucracy. Tuesday 2 October 2007
NSW AMBULANCE SERVICE: OVERTIME BLOWOUT HELPING DRIVE OFFICERS AWAY
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the blowout in overtime hours worked by NSW ambulance officers was one of the reasons why resignations had more than doubled in the last four years. Tuesday 2 October 2007
WILL NEW HOSPITAL BE A CROSS CITY TUNNEL REPEAT?
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said clinical staff criticisms of the Iemma Government proposals for the $700 million redevelopment of Royal North Shore Hospital should ring alarm bells that they were heading in the same direction as the Cross City Tunnel. October 1st 2007
GAP IN NURSE SHIFTS MEANS PATIENT RISK AND ANOTHER REASON FOR FULL INQUIRY
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today's revelation that the shifts of agency and casual nurses working at Royal North Shore Hospital was potentially putting patients at risk was 'yet one more reason' for a full, open and independent inquiry into the hospital. September 30 2007
THIRD WORLD STANDARDS AT ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL WITH 'CASH FOR CARE'
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today renewed calls for the Iemma Government to conduct a full, open and independent inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital, following claims a seriously ill man hired a private nurse to care for him at the Hospital. Saturday 29 September 2007
KNEEJERK ANNOUNCEMENT FAILS TO ADDRESS WIDER CONCERNS, PRE-EMPTS INVESTIGATION
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today's kneejerk announcement by Reba Meagher on pregnant women and hospital emergency departments showed she was more worried about getting rid of negative media headlines ahead of the long weekend. Friday 28 September 2007
PRACTICES AT RNSH "ILLEGAL": IEMMA & MEAGHER REMAIN SILENT
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today there was now a growing weight of evidence in relation to Royal North Shore Hospital that warranted a full, open and truly independent inquiry into the facility. Friday 28 September 2007
ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL BUDGET CUT BY $13 MILLION, PATIENT CARE COMES LAST
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today revealed the Iemma Labor Government has cut Royal North Shore/Ryde hospital budget by $13 million and adhering to budgets was being prioritised over patient care. September 27th 2007
MINISTER'S DISGRACEFUL SPIN: PUT WORDS INTO THE MOUTH OF GRIEVING FAMILY
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today slammed the Health Minister Reba Meagher's outrageous attempt to misrepresent the grieving family at the centre of last night's incident at Royal North Shore Hospital. Wednesday 26 September 2007
IEMMA AND MEAGHER MUST ACT: INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO ROYAL NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL NEEDED
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called for the Iemma Government to conduct a full, open and independent inquiry into Royal North Shore Hospital. Wednesday 26 September 2007
LABOR
SHOULD STOP PLAYING POLITICS AND GET ON WITH THE JOB OF FIXING TEETH
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner in Parliament today called on the
Iemma Labor Government to get on with the job of fixing people's teeth instead
of criticising the Howard Government's comprehensive dental plan. 26 September
2007
IEMMA GOVT MUST PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT FEDERAL GOVT MEDICAL RESEARCH FUNDS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today welcomed the Howard Government's announcement of $560 million for health and medical research grants and called on the Iemma Labor Government to adequately resource the medical research infrastructure needed for NSW to compete for grants. 25 September 2007
LABOR'S FUNDING GAPS LEAD TO HOSPITALS LOSING ACCREDITATION TO TRAIN EMERGENCY SPECIALISTS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today said the Iemma Labor Government's failure to invest in hospital staff has resulted in six NSW hospitals losing their accreditation to train emergency specialists. 25 September 2007
RNS NURSES FED UP WITH POOR CONDITIONS
Nurses at Royal North Shore Hospital are fed up with deplorable conditions at the hospital, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Sunday 23 September 2007
NATIONAL STROKE WEEK - LEARNING THE FIRST SIGNS COULD SAVE A FAMILY MEMBER
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner last night addressed the National Stroke Week launch hosted by the NSW Stroke Recovery Association and highlighted the need for families to be aware of the early signs of stroke. Friday 21 September 2007
LABOR CUTS TO ELECTIVE SURGERY: 20,000 FEWER OPERATIONS
NSW Liberal Leader Barry O'Farrell and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today slammed the Iemma Labor Government for reducing the number of elective surgery operations being performed at public hospitals. Wednesday 19 September 2007
DENTAL FUNDING: RUDD LABOR WON'T DELIVER WHAT IEMMA LABOR HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today a federal Labor pledge on dental funding would not cover up the fact the Iemma Labor Government has failed to adequately fund services in NSW. Tuesday 18 September 2007
ELECTIVE SURGERY WAITING LIST STILL GROWING
Shadow Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner MP, today demanded the Iemma Labor Government take responsibility for the growing elective surgery waiting list and give our hardworking medical staff the resources and support they need to reduce the wait. September 18 2007
EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENTS SUFFER UNDER LABOR FUNDING GAPS
The Iemma Government has forced emergency departments to compete for doctors
because of its failure to invest in permanent hospital staff, Shadow Minister
for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Saturday 15 September 2007
ILLAWARRA HEALTH CRISIS: WOLLONGONG HOSPITAL CLAIMS MUST BE INVESTIGATED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today demanded the Iemma Labor Government stop ignoring the concerns of Illawarra health workers and local families and urgently investigate claims new mothers are being forced out of Wollongong hospital to free up beds. Thursday 30 August 2007
MORRIS IEMMA'S DRUG FAILURE: LESS PREVENTATIVE FUNDING, MORE DRUG OFFENCES
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the State Labor Government's failure to invest in preventative drug programs has lead to increases in drug use and possession over the past two years. Thursday 30 August 2007
NSW LAGS BEHIND OTHER STATES IN THE CULTURE STAKES
Shadow Minister for the Arts Jillian Skinner condemned the Iemma Government today for failing to invest in cultural institutions in NSW. Thursday 30 August 2007
AMBULANCE INDUSTRIAL ACTION: MORRIS IEMMA AND REBA MEAGHER MUST SORT OUT THEIR MESS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called on Morris Iemma and Health Minister Reba Meagher to stop denying there were problems within the ambulance service and to sit down with staff to address their concerns. Wednesday 29 August 2007
PUBLIC LIBRARIES NEED STATE GOVT SUPPORT: LABOR'S REVIEW SIGNALS MORE CUTS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today said it was likely Frank Sartor's 'review' of funding for NSW public libraries was simply an excuses to cut services and funding even further. Tuesday 28 August 2007
AMBULANCE SERVICE LET DOWN BY LABOR
Revelations that trainees are working without experienced supervisors demonstrated the ever-deteriorating condition of the NSW Ambulance Service under Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today. Monday 27 August 2007
TEACHING HOSPITAL CLOSED DOWN AS LABOR'S HEALTH SYSTEM THREATENS PATIENT SAFETY
"Trainees are currently operating in a fashion which compromises patient safety, through excessive workload demands, limited consultant supervision, and a lack of comprehensive clinical support services" (p5) Basic Physician Training Site Accreditation Visit - Shellharbour Hospital Report Thursday 23 August 2007
MORE PRESSURE PUT ON AMBULANCE OFFICERS TO PROP UP AILING HEALTH SYSTEM
A plan to have ambulance officers keep as many patients out of NSW's blocked hospital emergency departments will put patients' lives at risk, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner claimed today. Saturday 18 August 2007
IEMMA GOVERNMENT FOR-PROFIT HELICOPTER SERVICE LEAVES COMMUNITY STRANDED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today condemned the Iemma Government for failing to provide the NSW Ambulance Service with the resources and staff needed to maintain the rapid response helicopter service. Friday 10 August 2007
HOW MANY HOSPITALS WILL CLOSE FOR ELECTIVE SURGERY DURING APEC?
The NSW Opposition has called on the Iemma Government to come clean with its plans to close major Sydney trauma hospitals for elective surgery during the APEC summit. August 4th 2007
IEMMA GOVT ALLOWS RUN-DOWN OF HOSPITAL BUILDINGS
Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinner visited the Queen Victoria Memorial Home in Thirlmere today with Wollondilly residents who are worried that the Iemma Government is deliberately allowing buildings to deteriorate so they can close the aged care facility. August 3rd 2007
COALITION SUPPORTS CORONER'S COMMENT THAT ALLEGATIONS NEED WIDER INVESTIGATION
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today that her call for a broad investigation into the practice of unqualified overseas trained doctors working in our public hospitals without required supervision had been vindicated by the Coroner conducting the coronial inquiry into the death of 16-year-old golfer Vanessa Anderson. Monday 30 July 2007
AMBULANCE OFFICER MORALE ROCK BOTTOM
Ambulance Officers are resigning in increasing numbers with reports of low numbers, increased workloads and frustration at delays getting to patients, Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner claimed today. July 29th 2007
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today called for a broad investigation into the practice of unqualified overseas trained doctors working in our public hospitals without required supervision. July 28th 2007
NSW
DENTAL HEALTH ROTTEN
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today urged Federal Member for
New England Tony Windsor to back NSW Coalition calls for the Iemma Government
to accept its responsibility to provide public dental care. Friday 27th July
2007
LABOR PUTS MORE MONEY INTO SPIN OVER SUBSTANCE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today criticised the Iemma Government for making money available to employ more spin-doctors in NSW's beleaguered Health System while starving hospitals of the additional funding and staff resources they need. Thursday 26 July 2007
WOLLONGONG HOSPITALS SHUT UP SHOP: PATIENTS TRANSFERRED TO SYDNEY
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the chronic shortage of beds across the hospital system is forcing Wollongong and Shellharbour Hospitals to divert all but life threatened patients to Sydney because they are unable to cope. Monday 16 July 2007
LABOR NEGLECTING COUNTRY MUMS: NARRABRI MATERNITY SERVICES CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the Iemma Labor Government was walking away from expectant country mothers after it was revealed maternity services at Narrabri Hospital were suspended for two weeks for the simple reason that a staff member had to take holidays. Monday 16 July 2007
PATIENTS SUFFERING AT SHOALHAVEN HOSPTIAL DUE TO LABOR'S HEALTH MISMANAGEMENT
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner and Liberal Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said today orthopaedic patients in Nowra and the Shoalhaven were suffering long, and sometimes painful waits for surgery because of Labor's bungling of the appointment of new surgeons at Shoalhaven Hospital. Tuesday 17 July 2007
HOSPITAL BUNGLES IN NSW: REPORT IS JUST TIP OF THE ICEBERG
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said a report released today showing there were 130 serious mishaps in Australian public hospitals was just the tip of the iceberg. Wednesday 11 July 2007
AMBULANCES BANKED UP AT SYDNEY HOSPITALS "NOT THAT UNUSUAL" UNDER LABOR
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today a Government health official's candid admission that choked emergency departments with ambulances banking up was "not that unusual" confirms the hospital network is at breaking point under Labor. Tuesday 10 July 2007
REBA MEAGHER REFUSES TO SIGN UP TO STRICTER INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES TESTS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today condemned Reba Meagher for failing to sign up to new national standards to ensure International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are qualified to work in NSW hospitals and receive ongoing support. Thursday 5 July 2007
REBA MEAGHER MUST EXPLAIN WHY TWEED HOSPITAL WAS ON DIVERT FOLLOWING PATIENT DEATH
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the Iemma Government's radio malfunction excuse after the death of a man who was diverted away from Tweed Hospital failed to answer fundamental questions about health services in northern NSW. Wednesday 4 July 2007
FAMILIES SLUGGED AS STATE GOVT TRANSFERS MORE WORK TO LOCAL COUNCILS
Deputy NSW Liberal Leader Jillian Skinner said today NSW families were being slugged for rate increases because the State Labor Government continued to shift work onto Local Councils without providing commensurate funding. Wednesday 4 July 2007
AMBULANCE FEES RISE BY 15%: IEMMA AND MEAGHER TARGET THE SICK & INJURED
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today Morris Iemma and Reba Meagher had been caught out trying to sneak through increases in the cost of ambulance fees that are well above inflation and can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of an ambulance journey. Tuesday 3 July 2007
THOUSANDS OF EMERGENCY PATIENTS LEFT TO WAIT
"Yet again the government is trying to spin away the fact that its failure to properly resource our hospitals means they are struggling to cope with emergency patients. July 1st 2007
DAMNING FINDINGS: MORE EVIDENCE OF MORRIS IEMMA'S ABORIGINAL NEGLECT
Deputy NSW Liberal Leader and Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today there was more evidence of the Iemma Labor Government's failure to address indigenous issues. Friday 29 June 2007
WAITING LISTS BLOWOUT WHILE IEMMA GOVT KEEPS FIGURES HIDDEN
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the State of our Public Hospitals report paints a bleak picture of elective surgery waiting times in NSW, showing that in 2005-06 our state had slipped to 6th position with the median waiting time blowing out to 36 days - four days above the national average. Friday 29 June 2007
HEART ATTACK VICTIM SENT TO QLD DIES AS NSW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS STRUGGLE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the death of a 48-year-old man after he was turned away from Tweed Hospital that was on bypass shows how NSW hospital emergency departments are struggling to cope under Labor. Friday 29 June 2007
DENTAL DISGRACE: 178,000 PATIENTS ON WAITING LIST WHILE IEMMA AND MEAGHER PASS THE BUCK
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today condemned the Iemma Labor Government for allowing the dental waiting list to blow out to 178,000 in NSW and then trying to blame others for their own inaction. Friday 29 June 2007
LABOR GOVERNMENT PLAYS POLITICS WITH DENTAL PATIENTS
Public dental care in NSW is solely the responsibility of the Iemma Labor Government, which has failed to understand the importance of dental health and refused to allocate funds to treat tens of thousands on the waiting list, according to the NSW Opposition. June 27th 2007
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today condemned the Health Budget for failing to provide enough money for doctor training and dental care, and denounced the Labor Government for presiding over budget blowouts and breaking its health spending promises. Friday 22 June 2007
LABOR CUTS FUNDING FOR LIBRARIES & MUSEUMS
Shadow Minister for Arts Jillian Skinner today slammed the Iemma Labor Government for slashing funding for all the State's cultural institutions, including public libraries. Tuesday 19 June 2007
HEALTH BUDGET PULLS UP SHORT: NOT ENOUGH FOR WAGE INCREASES, HIGHER OPERATING COSTS
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today Reba Meagher's claims the health budget has increased by 7.1% ring hollow when the Budget Papers show the increase on the amount spent last year is just 4.97%, an amount that will not cover contracted wage increases and higher operating expenses. Tuesday 19 June 2007
IEMMA GOVT REMOVES DETAILED REPORTING OF KEY PROGRAMS FROM BUDGET PAPERS
Deputy NSW Liberal Leader Jillian Skinner said today the Iemma Government's arrogance had reached new heights after vital details of the performance of Government programs in Budget Paper No. 3 were omitted from this year's report. Tuesday 19 June 2007
IEMMA GOVT MUST ADDRESS MORGUE DELAYS: BEREAVED FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner said today the Iemma Government was adding more anguish to bereaved families who had lost loved ones by not properly funding morgues and pathology services across NSW. Friday 15 June 2007
SKINNER CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIAN HEARING ON 60 YEARS OF SERVICE
Shadow Minister for Health Jillian Skinner today congratulated Australian Hearing for 60 years of service to the community as one of the country's leading hearing services providers. Tuesday 5 June 2007