MOUNT Gambier Liberal candidate Craig Marsh has criticised outgoing Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council (HAC) leader Penny Richardson, claiming she failed to fight on behalf of the community during her three-year term.
Mr Marsh said concerned members of the council had expressed “disillusionment and frustration” at the lack of action under the current leadership.
In a written statement to the media, he called for Ms Richardson to stand down from her position as presiding member, despite the fact her term of office ends on January 27.
“Ms Richardson had an allegiance to the State Government rather than an allegiance to the people of Mount Gambier,” Mr Marsh told The Border Watch.
“I was shocked by the extent of community concern over the failure of this body to hold the hospital administration to account.
“We need the leader of the HAC to stand up on behalf of our community and fight for a stronger hospital and better health services – to date this has clearly not been the case.”
While Mr Marsh said a Liberal government would implement six regional health boards with more power and control than the HACs, Ms Richardson refuted his claims the councils had become “ineffectual”.
“It is not part of the HAC’s mandate to hold the Mount Gambier Hospital administration to account,” Ms Richardson said.
“The role of the HAC presiding member is to preside over meetings and to represent the agreed views of the HAC – I have stood up on behalf of the community on health issues that were agreed to by HAC motions.
“A HAC’s focus depends on the expectations and desires of the majority of members – I think sometimes there is an expectation left over from the old hospital boards that HACs have influence in staffing and hospital operation matters, but we do not.”
Ms Richardson said HACs were established under the Health Care Act and had an obligation to “support the government”.
“Some issues that are discussed at HAC meetings are confidential and if the HAC membership disagrees with what the government of the day is doing, feedback is provided to Country Health SA,” she said.
“During my time serving on the council I have gained a greater insight into the workings of the health system and I am very proud of the services offered in our region.
“Health advisory councils are very effective community advocacy groups and have the power to influence, inform and advise.”
Mr Marsh maintained the proposed regional health boards would be able to deliver better health outcomes for the region.
“Each board will have control over the health budget for its region and will actively engage with its community and frontline health services,” he said.
“What’s important is that under the Marshall Liberal Government’s regional board network is that we get the right people involved and on these boards.
“We need people with local knowledge, health expertise and committed to delivering better regional health services for the people of Mount Gambier.”
