Haenel points finger at health services
Horsham Independent candidate for Mallee Claudia Haenel believes widespread changes to regional health services can only occur with parliamentary Independents applying pressure on the Federal Government.
Ms Haenel said despite Medicare being in place from February 1, 1984 it had failed in its 38-year history to support to support regional communities ‘as it was designed’.
“Although hospitals are the State Government responsibility to manage, the Federal Government controls Medicare, influencing expenditure,” she said.
“It is abhorrent that regional hospitals are not fully Medicare-funded while suburban hospitals are.
“Regional citizens have an equal right to attend an emergency department the same as those in high-density areas.
“Urgent-care services is subsidised by Medicare, however, after visiting an ‘urgent care’ centre you will receive an invoice in the mail. There should be no us and them in Australian hospitals.”
Ms Haenel said she would work to have better funding for Mallee electorate hospitals if elected next month.
“Healthcare in Australia should be fair for all – not just those in the cities,” she said.
“This problem is not simply isolated to emergency departments – but extends to elective surgeries. There are limited surgeries performed in regional hospitals and the hospitals in the cities have long waiting lists.
“Properly funded regional hospitals can ease the burden across the state. This will save lives, create jobs and support our community.
“These changes will not happen without Independent pressure; the major parties are happy with the status quo.
“Since the pandemic ended the waiting lists for elective surgeries have continued to grow, I can work to make this change.”