The Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has taken the horrors of the Wide Bay Health and Hospital Service to Queensland Parliament in an effort to expose the truth.
Mr Bennett said the secrets, lies and cover-ups need to stop.
“The people of Bundaberg are sick and tired of it, especially when it comes to healthcare,” he said.
“There is no question our health sector faces huge challenges across the Burnett, which is why we need to fix the system now.
“Wide Bay has an aging population, with around 26 per cent of people aged over 65.
“This is already significantly higher than the state average of 15 per cent and is predicted to soon to be 33 per cent.
“26 per cent of our population earn less than $33,800 per year, compared to 17 per cent for the rest of Queensland.
“It’s no secret that we also are suffering a severe shortage of GP’s and I acknowledged the strain this puts on our WBHHS.
“We also know WBHHS is facing a shortage of health professionals.
“So, my first question is: how are our current health professionals expected to keep up?”
Mr Bennett said the health crisis stretched across the entire Burnett electorate.
“There are serious concerns relating to the future of the Childers Doctors Surgery and hospital,” he said.
“For some time, the hospital has been operating with only two locums. This is simply not good enough.
“There is supposed to be a Principal Health Officer, two Junior Doctors, a Medical Super Intendent and two Medical Officers.
“On numerous occasions, people have presented to the hospital only to find there was no doctor there.
“So, I must ask the WBHHS, is the model for the Childers hospital and doctors surgery working?
“The Childers community deserves better; we clearly need an urgent review into this model.”
The Burnett MP said the northern part of the electorate it also suffering.
“The Agnes Water and 1770 community does not currently have a hospital or any health services infrastructure within 125 kilometers,” said Mr Bennett.
“The region has 2.5 full-time equivalent GPs to support a population of up to 6,000.
“In peak times, this population expands by 5,000.
“For around 20 years, there has been very little change to the level of service delivery.
“We desperately need a Health and Hospital presence in the Agnes Water community.
“I’m calling on the Minister to expediate any plans to roll out health services and infrastructure in the region as a matter of urgency.
“Finally, the promised level five hospital in Bundaberg.
“At a recent community forum, the WBHHS confirmed there would be no level 5 hospital in Bundaberg.
“That’s despite it being an election promise in 2020.
“The WBHHS has told our community, ‘they will gradually add in Level 5 services when they can’.
“This is a complete cop out. The State Labor Government has lied to our community.”
Mr Bennett said this week’s allegations of negligence and misconduct at the Bundaberg Hospital have been deeply concerning.
“Patient safety must always be our top priority,” he said.
“It is clear that we need a full External Independent Inquiry in the matter,
“Queenslanders deserve an open and transparent government, especially when it comes to healthcare.
“Patients, families and the public have a right to know.”
ENDS.
27/05/2022