A Budget black hole revealed in Estimates last week has shown the Mersey Community Hospital fund will suffer a significant shortfall in its final year.
Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said the shortfall could have significant consequences for the vital community hospital.
“There are a number of key questions that remain unanswered surrounding this important hospital,” Ms Dow said.
“These include how much state funding will be required when the fund dries up and what impact these changes will have on service delivery to the people of the Mersey Leven region.”
Ms Dow said the funding shortfall will happen at the same time as the government’s terrible GST deal creates another massive revenue shortfall in the State Budget.
“The government needs to explain if it is committed to improving services at the Mersey and what implications the fund shortfall will have on staffing and services.
“Labor is committed to the future of the MCH and we believe it is an integral part of our states health system. Our election commitments were about investing in the Mersey and the services it provides, our commitment to this hospital is clear.
“The government needs to provide confidence to the community that the Mersey is in good hands, a significant shortfall in the final year of the MCH fund does nothing to instil confidence in the future of this vitally important community hospital.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
