… ABOUT THE POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENTS HEALTH WHITE PAPER, AND ARE DISTRESSED ABOUT THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN RELATION TO WHAT CHANGES ARE PROPOSED.

The MCH provides hospital services to around 62 000 people in a catchment area that is characterised by population growth over recent years, an ageing population, socio-economic disadvantage and significant chronic disease, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The MCH has approximately 100 beds and provides medical services including emergency, general adult and paediatric medicine, general surgery, ophthalmological, some oncology, limited rehabilitation and allied health support. There are approximately 300 Full Time Equivalent staff members employed at the MCH.

The Mersey Community Hospital is unique within Australia, in that it is both owned and funded directly by the Federal Government. The decision to implement direct federal funding from 2007 followed widespread staff and community protests about plans to drastically reduce services provided by the Mersey.

The State Government has recently released a White Paper on health, and their plans for the Mersey Community Hospital are far from clear.

“Workers at the Mersey Community Hospital are in the dark as to what is going to happen to the hospital” said Robbie Moore, HACSU Assistant Secretary.

“What we have here is a committed and loyal group of health workers, who at this stage are simply requesting honest communication. In the absence of communication from government, workers have invited state and local government representatives to meet with them and hear their concerns.

“The White Paper is silent on a number of key issues, and there is an appalling lack of detail.

“What services are staying, what is moving, and what is the timeline around consultation and change management? Does the Government intend to end maternity services at the Mersey? Will staff be losing their jobs, or will they be forced to work out of Burnie? How will patients be transported to and from treatment facilities?

“It is entirely reasonable for workers to have information on plans to change health services. Our members demand that they – and the community they serve – are consulted on the impacts of proposed changes.

“It feels as if history may be repeating itself with the Mersey – and that the community may once again need to throw their support behind this hospital.”
Tim Jacobson, Robbie Moore, Health and Community Services Union