The State Labor Government has refused to commit to a dedicated cardiac catheter lab at the new Bundaberg Hospital despite desperate pleas from staff and patients.
The Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman dodged the Question on Notice from Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett who asked for a commitment to a dedicated and fully staffed cath lab at the proposed university hospital and an outline of the planned specialised services. **
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said it’s a short sighted, dangerous and bad judgement.
“Without this commitment, we’ll continue to see critically unwell patients transferred in ambulances for off-site services or flown to Brisbane,” said Mr Bennett.
“Time and time again we’ve been ‘promised’ a Level 5 hospital, but what are we getting if Labor can’t even commit to a dedicated cath lab?
“The Health Minister and WBHHS Executives have blatantly ignored our hardworking doctors and nurses who have been pleading for a fully staffed cardiac catheter lab to be included at the proposed Bundaberg University Hospital.
“The risks are mounting, and the Palaszczuk-Miles Government evidently can’t fix the serious health crisis they’ve created.”
LNP Candidate for Bundaberg Bree Watson said the Bundaberg community deserves better.
“Our community deserves to know exactly what Level 5 services will be available when the doors open in 2027,” said Ms Watson.
“The Health Minister should at least disclose who will miss out and still be required to travel long distances for vital health services.
“Easier access to health services is a priority for the LNP Opposition because it’s a priority for Queenslanders.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said patient care must always come first, but Shannon Fentiman is more interested in trying to fix her reputation.
“A critically ill patient shouldn’t have their care potentially further compromised through flights and transfers just because this Labor Government can’t plan for the future or listen to our doctors and nurses on the frontline.
“On behalf of all the hardworking health and hospital staff who have approached my office anonymously regarding the desperate need for a dedicated cath lab, I’m asking the Health Minister to please listen to them so they can get on with their jobs and save lives.
“Patients and staff shouldn’t suffer due to bad decision making and government incompetence.”
* QON Source: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2024/240-2024.pdf
** Clinical Services Capability Framework for Level 5 Service:
- Has strong university affiliations and major teaching with some research commitments in both local and multi-centre research.
- Acts as referral service for all but the most complex service needs which may mean highly complex, high-risk patients require transfer or referral to a level 6 service.
- Manages all but the most highly complex patients and procedures.
- https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/444423/cscf-fs-2-service-levels.pdf
ENDS.
14/05/2024