Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White is calling on Health Minister Michael Ferguson to rule out privatisation of 18 residential and four acute beds at the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre.
“Mr Ferguson needs to give residents and staff confidence they will not lose their hospital which has been serving the community for 35 years,” Ms White said.
“Midlands MPC plays a significant role in emergency response across the Southern Midlands and the ambulance service responds to traffic accidents which occur on the Midlands highway. In 2012-13 there were 70 Category 1 and 2 emergencies dealt with by the Midlands MPC.
“The nearest alternative ambulance service is 40 minutes away at Campbell Town. There is a significant risk of downgrading emergency services without safe alternatives.
“Regional health care is obviously not a priority of this Government. The Minister for Health might claim the Hodgman Liberal Government will not close regional hospitals but he has not ruled out reducing the services they provide and limiting their capacity to respond to community demand for primary health services.
“The downgrade of services to regional areas is appalling treatment of these communities and a direct attack on frontline services.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Health Minister
