Sarah Courtney must take responsibility for the serious impact to patients from reduced hours at the Mersey Community Hospital’s emergency department.
Labor Member for Braddon, Anita Dow, said concerning stories from people affected were already flowing in.
“In one case we are aware of, a woman woke up at 3am in severe pain and knowing that the Mersey emergency department was not open, she waited until 8am to present,” Ms Dow said.
“She began receiving treatment but was told she would need to be transferred to the North West Regional Hospital.
“At 6.30pm, she was still waiting to be transferred so her husband drove her to the NWRH where she spent another 24 hours in the ED because there were no beds available.
“This is just one of many disturbing stories that are emerging from people in the North West impacted by the decision to reduce hours at the Mersey’s ED.
“Sarah Courtney must take responsibility for adverse outcomes for patients as a result of longer waiting times and also travel times to the hospitals in Burnie or Launceston.
“It will also have implications for other health services across the region including paramedics, GPs and community nursing services.
“Tasmanian Labor is listening to the North West community and has launched a to call for safe staffing of the NWRH and MCH and to restore the Mersey’s 24-hour emergency department.
“People on the North West coast deserve access to health care when and where they need it and our health professionals deserve a safe working environment.”
Anita Dow MP
Labor Member for Braddon
