The Labor Party candidate for the seat of Campbelltown, Greg Warren, has demanded an urgent investigation into media revelations of chronic ambulance backlogs at Campbelltown Hospital that have left patients with chest pain and even the unconscious waiting for treatment.
According to the report on ABC television last night, patients across Western Sydney hospitals are being forced to wait with paramedics either inside the ambulance or in hospital corridors. This is because the emergency ward is already full and has no spare beds.
Ambulances are being prevented from reaching other emergencies in the community.
In just one day last month, eight patients at Campbelltown Hospital were left waiting on a stretcher for more than an hour – including five with chest pains and two who were unconscious.
“”This is unacceptable, putting local patients lives at serious risk,” Greg Warren said.
“The revelations aired have blown the lid on the plight of Campbelltown Hospital – it’s at breaking point under this Liberal Government,” Shadow Health Minister Dr Andrew McDonald said.
“The Federal and State Liberals have cut billions of dollars from NSW hospitals. The result is a chronic shortage of beds and paramedics forced to wait with patients in crammed corridors and ambulance bays.
“The Abbott-Baird funding cuts to NSW hospitals were always a disaster in the making and now the Health Minister has admitted as much.”
In June, it was revealed that more than one-third of patients at Campbelltown Hospital are failing to be treated in emergency departments within four hours – in breach of the National Emergency Access Targets.
“Bryan Doyle and Mike Baird have cut $3 billion from our hospitals and Tony Abbott’s cuts are making matters worse. We know these budget cuts are having a dangerous impact right here at Campbelltown Hospital,” Mr Warren sAID.
“Local patients are being left on stretchers at Campbelltown Hospital for too long – and I believe Bryan Doyle needs to take action, and Jillian Skinner has no option but to launch an immediate investigation in light of these incredibly disturbing reports.
“Jillian Skinner has admitted there aren’t enough beds – but a simple admission is not good enough for the people of Campbelltown. The Liberals must restore funding and stand up to Tony Abbott to get federal health funding back.”
