Labor has welcomed the decision to finally resume 24-hour operation of the Emergency Department at the Mersey Community Hospital.
Labor Members from Braddon Anita Dow and Shane Broad said this is vindication of what Labor has long been calling for and the resumption of normal services at the end of next month will come a huge relief to the whole North West community including our hardworking health professionals.
“In the meantime it’s a timely reminder of the need for the State Government to work harder to recruit and retain staff to meet the required levels on a permanent basis,” Ms Dow and Dr Broad said.
“For too long the health and medical needs of the North West Coast have been treated in a piecemeal manner with a heavy reliance on locums. The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in the system but they were there long before COVID-19 hit.
“The North West cannot afford to continue to have medical and health services lagging behind other parts of the state. The need for patients to be transferred to Launceston and Hobart for treatment is far too common.
“Long term solutions need to be found to ensure the safety and medical needs of North West communities are assured and they can be confident of having access to the highest quality healthcare where and when they need it.
“When it comes to access to the highest quality health care Labor will keep sticking up for the North West Coast to make sure our regional health system including the Mersey Community Hospital is able to provide Tasmanians with the health care they need.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
Shane Broad MP
Labor Member for Braddon
