Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP advises the Economic and Finance Committee has today tabled into Parliament its recommendations from its now completed formal Inquiry into the Delivery of Health Services on the Yorke Peninsula.
This Inquiry came as a result of the petition launched by Mr Ellis in 2022, which ultimately tallied the mammoth more than 10,000 signatures needed, by law, to trigger formal investigation and reporting to Government for action.
“I was so proud to lodge the petition in Parliament on 15 November 2023, and we all patiently awaited the formal Inquiry to follow which commenced in November 2024 and then participated in the public hearings held in March this year.
“Just as the community had rallied to gather the thousands of signatures, so too it rallied to participate in the Inquiry process, providing some 60 written submissions and additional valuable oral evidence at the public hearings, all describing a health system in need of vital improvements.”
While it is appreciated that the inquiry has been finalised and the report has been tabled it was noted that the language in the report was underwhelming.
“Ultimately, there are far too many recommendations that the Government ‘consider’ or ‘investigate’ certain actions that arise out of the evidence,” Mr Ellis said.
“This is obviously tricky, political language designed to give the Government cover to weasel out of their obligations to our community.
“The absolute weight of the overwhelming evidence showing that we need desperate investment in our regional health system should be listened to – not the political speak recommendations.”
The report includes a number of recommendations which should be adopted, without consideration, investigation or equivocation, immediately by both sides of politics.
“The Inquiry report tabled today includes 16 recommendations, the number one being to consider investment to upgrade services at Wallaroo Hospital, including increasing the number of beds and ensuring 24/7 on site radiology services.
“The committee also importantly recommends further investigation into new ED facilities for Yorketown and Maitland, more mental health and palliative care services, expansion of GP and nursing staff incentives to aid recruitment, more support for our local volunteer ambos, and changes to the Patient Assistant Transport Scheme which are all welcome.
“I now keenly await the response and subsequent action from the State Government to the formal recommendations that they now have in front of them”, Mr Ellis said.
To view the full report, click on this link:
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