AMA President on the election trail #1
NOWRA - A HEALTH 'HOT SPOT'
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, will travel to Nowra, on the NSW south coast, this Thursday, 13 September, to visit local hospitals and discuss the level and standard of medical services in the area with local doctors.
Dr Phelps said today that Nowra is a health 'hot spot', indicative of the major problems currently confronting the Australian health system, doctors and patients.
"Nowra is experiencing public hospital bed shortages, long waiting times for surgery with people waiting five years for a hip replacement, and doctors are leaving the area or the profession because of spiralling medical indemnity insurance costs and red tape," Dr Phelps said.
"I want to hear first hand from the doctors and patients of Nowra what they think can be done to improve health services in the area.
"I will then make representations to urge the Government and the Opposition to respond accordingly when they release their health policies for the election.
"The feedback from Nowra already reflects the issues outlined in the AMA's health policy blueprint - Key Health Issues for the 2001 Election - released last month.
"People want greater funding and resources for their public hospitals and their aged care facilities, and they want doctors to come to their communities and stay there for the longer term. This will require action by the Government to increase Medicare rebates and action by Government to address the medical indemnity crisis," Dr Phelps said.
DR PHELPS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW IMMEDIATELY AFTER HER VISIT TO THE SHOALHAVEN DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AT 11.45AM, THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, AT THE NORTH STREET RECREATIONAL AREA (ADJACENT TO THE HOSPITAL).
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076