Industrial action launched by the ANMF today is difficult to comprehend given the incoming Hodgman Liberal Government has agreed to what the union has asked for in relation to hospital beds at the LGH.
Not only have we announced 40 new beds, including a new ward as part of a major redevelopment of the LGH, planning on these works will begin within our first 100 days.
The first beds will open next year with the remainder by 2023.
Hopefully the union has not forgotten that the Liberal Government has now opened all wards, including those previously closed by the former Government.
The Government has also committed to an additional 161 hospital and health staff to support these beds and health services.
In this context the question has to be asked if today’s ANMF action is simply a smokescreen for a wages campaign.
We always welcome suggestions by hospital staff on ways to deal with current demand pressures and urge the union to continue to engage constructively with the THS.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health
