Tuesday 13 August 2024
Dear Editor,
Don’t be fooled by the Allan Labor Government’s latest spin and word games on regional healthcare.
Mergers are mergers, no matter what you call them. In fact, you could argue we’re headed for “mega-mergers”.
Labor’s plan to “consolidate” regional health services into five “local health service networks” is code for what we feared, mergers!
Despite Labor’s spin claiming there will be no “forced” amalgamations, the reality is clear – these changes will centralise decision-making and will reduce access to local healthcare for many regional Victorians.
The creation of networks covering Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, Hume, and Gippsland will force some patients the need to travel hundreds of kilometres just to access their local healthcare.
It will also lead to job losses and service cuts in smaller towns as resources are pushed to larger centres.
We urge you to see through this political spin, voice concerns about these plans, and continue to fight for your local hospitals to remain local.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.handsoffourhospitals.com.au.
Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage healthcare and regional Victorians are paying the price.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals
Emma Kealy