Healthcare crisis forces ‘terrified’ mother to have roadside birth

Liberal Party Victoria

Daniel Andrews’ healthcare crisis continues to hurt regional communities as local Portland woman, Jessa was forced to give birth by the side of the road.

Under the Andrews Labor Government, Portland District Health has closed its maternity ward – meaning dozens of local mothers to be are left to travel more than an hour to the nearest hospital.

Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy said locals deserve an explanation as to why their community is being denied access to basic healthcare.

“We feared that without a local maternity ward in Portland, this very situation would occur,” Mr Guy said.

“Make no mistake, Jessa being forced to give birth on the side of the road is a direct result of Daniel Andrews’ mismanagement of the healthcare system.”

While the Andrews Labor Government focuses on employing more spin doctors, regional Victorians are being denied real doctors in their local community.

Member for South-West Coast, Roma Britnell said residents in her community were being left behind.

“Expectant mothers are being denied access to basic healthcare, and they deserve better,” Ms Britnell said.

“Jessa’s situation was terrifying and it should never have happened. The Minister for Health has said the maternity service closed because of safety concerns. Does this government think giving birth on the side of a road, in the dark, is a safe option?”

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