RURAL HEALTH INQUIRY REVEALS LACK OF FUNDING FOR TAMWORTH OPERATING THEATRES

The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into rural health has revealed today that three operating theatres in Tamworth Hospital are used for storage instead of much needed surgery because of a shortfall in funding from the NSW Government.

The inquiry also revealed that it takes a two and a half hour round trip for Gunnedah locals to get a script due to a shortage of GP’s in the area as well as long waits for appointments, and lack of access to specialist appointments.

Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park said the hearings have continued to highlight the desperate need for more support and resources.

Advertisements

“At each hearing we are seeing undeniable evidence that there is healthcare crisis going on across rural and regional NSW,” Mr Park said.

“It is just not good enough that three operating theatres in Tamworth Hospital are being used for storage when people are in desperate need of surgery. What is the point of having operating theatres that are empty?” Mr Park said.

“The Government’s neglect of public health services in rural and regional NSW must be addressed.”

Ms Rebecca Dridan, Chair, Gunnedah Early Childhood Network, said that for parents needing to get an appointment for their child with behaviour issues the wait is in excess of two years unless parents can afford to “pay a lot of money” to attend a private practice.

Ms Dridan went on to say “…a lot of children just get missed. They fall through the cracks.”

Cr Jamie Chaffey, Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council said he was concerned for his community. “Unless there is change, dramatic change in a short period of time, the community of Gunnedah is at a crisis point, there is no doubt about it” he said.

Dr David Scott, Chair Tamworth Medical Staff Council said the ratios of patients to specialists was worse for those living in rural NSW compared to those living and working in the City.

“For example if I worked in the City I would be expected to look after around 20,000 people in Sydney, while for almost 10 years I was the only person for almost 200,000 people” Dr Scott said.

Labor’s representatives on the committee are Greg Donnelly and Walt Secord.