Media Release.
Plans
to employ private ambulances for higher-risk patient transfers show the
Newman Government prioritises cost-cutting and providing profits for
businesses ahead of patient care says Shadow
Health Minister Jo-Ann Miller.
“The announcement that
the Government’s Metro South Hospital and Health Service
has started a tender process for inter-hospital transfers and
discharges to nursing homes and patients’ homes is further confirmation
that under the LNP profits matter more than people,” she said.
“It
is a cost cutting measure that will increase the risk to patients by
handing responsibility for patient transfers to companies which will not
be able to respond to unforseen emergencies
with the same level of skill as well trained and well-resourced public
sector health workers."
“There is only one justification for the LNP in all this, and that is saving money whatever the possible consequences."
“Labor
believes all ambulance services should be provided by caring
professionals who are able to react to any situation in the best
interests of those in their care."
“But
this latest example of the Newman Government’s privatisation agenda is
another slap in the face for Queensland’s highly skilled public sector
health workers."
“Health
Minister Lawrence Springborg must explain how many Queensland Ambulance
Service jobs will be lost as a result of this privatisation”.
Mrs
Miller said the Opposition had big questions about how Metro South
Health conducted a trial and how the operator – Victoria-based National
Patient Transport, chaired by former NSW Liberal
Health Minister Peter Collins – was chosen.
“We
are told the trial was a success, but given the Government’s
philosophical hatred of the public sector, it was a foregone conclusion."
“Hospitals
are already under cost-pressure to reduce the length of stay for
patients and early discharges heighten the risks of something going
wrong. Using private ambulances will further
exacerbate that risk.”
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