MOUNT Gambier Liberal candidate Craig Marsh has described the State Government’s commitment to country hospitals as “pathetic” given the substandard renal unit and ongoing insufficient staff levels at the city’s health facility.
Mr Marsh has spoken out after touring the Mount Gambier Hospital this week, where he witnessed the cramped renal unit conditions first-hand.
The government has yet to pledge a $2m upgrade of the renal unit despite new Health Minister Peter Malinauskas touring the unit some weeks ago.
“The $27m upgrade of the hospital was made possible by a Federal Government grant,” Mr Marsh said yesterday.
“While it is very welcome, there are still a number issues that need to be addressed.
“The Weatherill Labor Government’s commitment to country hospitals is pathetic.”
He said the government found $900m for capital investment in hospitals in the last budget, but alarmingly not one dollar was allocated to a country hospital.
“The renal unit urgently needs to be addressed,” the political contender said.
“It was an eye opening experience seeing the operating conditions of the unit first-hand.”
Mr Marsh – who was guided around the hospital by director of nursing Paul Bullen – said the state’s health system must provide the best possible health care for everyone in the community, regardless of where they live or what support was needed.
“We need to attract doctors to this region and to encourage them to remain as valued members of our community,” the election candidate said.
“The state Liberal team’s commitment to establish a local health management board will give locals more say and will ensure better outcomes for our community.
“The hospital staff work tirelessly and should be congratulated for their efforts.
“I will continue to fight for upgrades for the Mount Gambier Hospital.”
Mr Marsh has met with Liberal leader Steven Marshall and Shadow Health Minister Stephen Wade to lobby for an upgrade to the renal unit and increased investment into South East health services.
