Hospitals face medical imaging staff cuts, says Tesch
Medical imaging services at Gosford and Wyong hospitals are facing staffing cuts despite increased demand and the provision of new medical equipment, according to Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.
More staff are required, not less, she said.
"The Perrottet Government has cut four and a half full-time positions in medical imaging services.
"It is absurd that the Liberals have decided after over a decade of neglect to fund top-of-the-line medical equipment while also deciding to cut staff who are needed to operate the new equipment.
"This means longer wait-times and increased stress for our healthcare staff who provide vital services such as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI scans and CT scans."
After meeting with concerned health professionals, Ms Tesch said: "Already I am hearing frustrating reports of high category patients turned away from our public health system after waiting two weeks or more.
"They have been made to visit private radiotherapy centres that can cost upwards of thousands of dollars."
Ms Tesch said negotiations were taking place between the Perrottet Government and the Health Services Union.
She said she hoped that the Liberals would see reason.
"We need staffing increases, not cuts.
"Healthcare workers deserve all of our support in ensuring they are respected, safe and able to meet the needs of our growing community."
SOURCE:
Media release, 4 Jul 2022
Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford