April 19, 2010
The need for local control over Gippsland hospitals and the importance of attracting and retaining doctors in the region were the key topics of discussion during today’s meeting between local MPs and the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Victorian President Dr Harry Hemley.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for Morwell Russell Northe stressed the importance of additional government funding to attract and retain the rural health workforce.
“The shortage of doctors in regional and rural areas is well recognised with up to 1800 new doctors required to meet current demand,” Mr Chester said.
“The AMA has found that more than one-third of current doctors intend to retire in the next five years.
“We are facing the twin challenges of a doctor shortage and an ageing workforce, yet the Rudd Government’s health plan completely ignores the issue.”
Mr Northe used the opportunity to brief Dr Hemley on the difficulties facing Latrobe Regional Hospital.
“LRH is experiencing a continuing increase in demand for services and there is an obvious need for increased funding for more beds,” Mr Northe said.
“Demand for services in the emergency department has also escalated and it has become more difficult for local resident to schedule visits to their local GP.
“The AMA has developed a rural rescue package to attract and retain doctors in areas like Gippsland and it deserves close consideration by the Brumby Government.”
Mr Chester said he remained concerned that the Rudd Government health plan would result in less control of local health services.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with several health service providers in recent days and the uncertainty over locally based decision making is a key issue for Gippslanders,” Mr Chester said.
“The Labor Party needs to understand that local communities want to have a say in how their local health services are provided.”