The tabling of annual reports in state parliament has shown seven of Gippsland’s public hospitals are operating in deficit, raising further questions on the Allan Labor Government’s ability to manage money and regional health care.
The Nationals’ Melina Bath said local public hospitals operating in the red is a deeply concerning fiscal trend that has potential to further impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare in Gippsland.
“When hospitals are required to manage with limited resources it places them under significant strain and pressure on the quality of patient care.
“Staff shortages, longer wait times, reduced access to services and poor patient outcomes are just some of the consequences regional Victorians face when our hospitals are inadequately resourced.
“These are not just numbers on a balance sheet, they reflect the Allan Government’s systemic mismanagement of our frontline public health services.
“Gippsland already contends with challenges of workforce shortages and reduced access to emergency and specialist care – we know Victorians are already paying 69 per cent more for medical and hospital services.
“These deficits place additional pressure on hospitals and our hardworking healthcare professionals.”
Ms Bath said Gippslanders deserve improved transparency and accountability from the Allan Government regarding hospital resourcing.
“It is vital for our hospitals to be adequately resourced to meet growing demand and enhance the health of locals.
“The Nationals are calling on Labor to urgently address the issues impacting our regional hospitals and commit to a long-term strategy that prioritises regional healthcare.
“Under Labor healthcare in Gippsland is going backwards – it’s time for a fresh start, only a Nationals and Liberals Government who will deliver less waste and back our hardworking healthcare workers.”
Gippsland hospital deficits
- Bass Coast Health – $7.53 million
- Bairnsdale Regional Health Service – $8.15 million
- Gippsland South Health Service – $9.49 million
- South Gippsland Hospital – $973,730
- West Gippsland Healthcare Group – $8.78 million
- Omeo District Health – $438,000
- Latrobe Regional Health – $44 million
