Pressure on one is pressure on all

Posted by Jim on July 15, 2010

I refer to the article on the greater chance of patients dying prematurely from cancer in the region than Brisbane patients [Fraser Coast Chronicle, 12 July 2010].

The Federal Government has distributed funding for cancer centres in marginal seats. Thus the Wide Bay electorate missed out on an upgrade to cancer treatment – politics before cancer services.

The former Prime Minister called changes to health funding a health revolution. If it was a revolution it has bypassed our region.

There is an urgent need for a review of health services in the Wide Bay electorate. Maryborough and Gympie hospitals need upgrading and funding for public patients in Noosa Hospital increased. Pressure on one hospital is pressure on all of them.

The fact that dialysis patients in Maryborough have to travel to Gympie indicates a shameful breakdown in health services in the region.

The Greens call for a proper caring approach from the Federal Government to the health of Australians in the region.

Jim McDonald
Greens candidate
Wide Bay Electorate

Letter, Fraser Coast Chronicle, Published 14 July 2010