POLLIE’S LAMINGTON PHOTO TRIGGERS HOSPITAL WARNING
EMERGENCY department staff have been given a stern warning on social media policy after a photograph was posted with them smiling and sharing a plate of lamingtons with a new MP.
The Bulletin understands Bonney MP Sam O’Connor visited the Gold Coast University Hospital ED on Australia Day and arrived with a platter containing lamingtons, pavlova and Tim Tams.
He later posted a photograph of himself with them on his Facebook page.
A hospital email of “high importance” later warned staff about “the strict guidelines on these visits” by MPs.
“If any member of Parliament who is not a patient or friend of a patient, wishes to visit, they should seek agreement through the chief executive or board chair,” a senior manager wrote.
Mr O’Connor said his visit was not a formal one and he was stunned by the response which suggested political interference.
“I’m proud to have the Gold Coast University Hospital in my electorate …,” he said.
Health Minister Steven Miles told the Bulletin: “I know Sam’s new and he might not know all the rules yet but I understand the excellent staff at the Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service have run him through them now and have been able to organise an official visit for him”.