Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
The Bendigo Hospital’s declaration of a code yellow this week shows the extreme pressure our regional health providers are under as a direct result of State Government cuts.
The hospital called the code yellow in response to the pressure on its acute care systems. The hospital has seen a surge in COVID 19 cases, flu and respiratory disorders and has now asked people to keep the emergency department and triple zero calls for emergencies only.
I’m sure the hospital CEO and board would not have made this decision lightly.
We are all aware of the surge in flu and COVID 19 cases every winter, and health officials would have prepared for this. The fact that the hospital is struggling shows it is badly under-resourced.
Sadly, our health care system has suffered millions of dollars in funding cuts as the Allan Labor Government scrambles to patch up its out-of-control budget.
Labor is forcing unrealistic savings targets on all of Victoria’s 76 health services, which will collectively see millions cut over coming years.
These cuts follow confirmation that more than a dozen regional health services suffered operating losses across 2022-23.
Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage our health system and once again regional Victorians are paying the price.
Labor’s priorities are all wrong. The Allan Labor Government can find the money for the $216 billion Suburban Rail Loop but cannot afford to keep hospitals open and running effectively across the state.
Yours sincerely
Gaelle Broad MP
Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Region
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
