The Rockliff Government must explain how a 74-year-old woman was left for six hours on the floor of her home before she was able to receive medical attention.
Rokeby resident Kristina Reid fell last Tuesday evening and called an ambulance at 12.30am. She called Triple Zero another two times before a single paramedic attended at 6.30am.
After 10 years of Liberal Government mismanagement, Minister Barnett would be better to focus on fixing our decaying health system instead of making ridiculous decisions and denying paramedics Christmas decorations.
Last week’s Select Committee on Transfer of Care Delay Hearings highlighted the deep concern our healthcare workers have that patients aren’t receiving appropriate and timely care.
In one instance a paramedic shared that on any given day two thirds of Hobart’s metro ambulance shifts are going unfilled, leading to delayed treatment and worse patient outcomes.
In turn this is having a devastating impact on our health workforce, who are fatigued and leaving for better conditions and pay interstate.
The Government’s own Operational Research in Health Report 2023 clearly shows that 126 extra paramedics are needed, with 87 additional paramedics by 2025-2026.
Health Minister Guy Barnett could alleviate some pressure by appointing paramedics currently employed on short-term arrangements to permanent positions without delay.
Labor has a positive plan to start improving the health system and address the health crisis which includes investing $6.5 million to support our state’s paramedics and improve ambulance response times.
Sarah Lovell MLC
Member for Rumney
