A recent series of disturbing events has shown the health system is struggling to meet the urgent healthcare needs of people in Northern Victoria.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad told Parliament 11 ambulances were ramped at Bendigo Health last week while patients regularly waited for extended periods in the emergency department.
“I know of one man who was admitted to emergency on a Saturday night. He was still waiting for a bed on Monday evening, when he was discharged and told to see his local doctor.
“Another resident in her 90s, who was terminally ill, waited for half a day in emergency and passed away days after.
“Still another lady was left waiting in a wheelchair overnight, as no beds were available.”
Ms Broad said the Albury Wodonga hospital was 91 beds short – with people left waiting in corridors for a bed.
“Day after day our paramedics, nurses and doctors are being asked to do more with less.”
Ms Broad said the situation was unacceptable and asked the Minister for Health to explain.
“What is being done to address these issues, and ensure that regional Victorians can access emergency health care when they need it?
“Regional Victorians deserve a world-class health care system,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
