“I have asked the minister in parliament what health services will be cut following the budget cuts,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“Hospital amalgamations will have a significant impact on the communities who want to be able to access health care where they live.
“These smaller hospitals play a crucial role in providing accessible health care to regional communities. Forcing them to merge with larger hospitals will lead to reduced services and longer travel times for patients needing basic medical care.
“We must protect our local hospitals, jobs and the impact on communities from these misguided policies. The people best placed to understand and meet the needs of their communities are those who live and work in them.
“Our health system is already at a breaking point due to funding cuts. GV Health is already impacted by budget constraints and will face additional pressures if required to absorb costs associated with hospital amalgamations.
“The Allan Labor Government must stop these mergers and restore proper funding to ensure that all Victorians, regardless of where they live, have access to high-quality health care.”
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our health system, and Victorians are paying the price.”
Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier said communities needed to be consulted about the changes.
“It is incredibly disappointing that the government has not been up-front with the community, hasn’t communicated their plans, and as a result, loss of services will occur and job losses will happen and importantly a local voice will be lost,” Ms Crozier said.
A petition calling for local jobs to be protected and hospital amalgamations cancelled has been launched.
To sign the petition, visit: Hands off our Hospitals.
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