THE State Opposition can today reveal no new beds were added in Central Queensland hospitals between September 2021 and May 2022.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli said at a time when our frontline staff were facing more pressure than ever, the State Government was making their job more difficult.

“They publicly said they were doing all they could to fix the health system, but behind closed doors they weren’t helping our already overstretched hospitals,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“We will continue to shine a light on the problems facing patients and health professionals until the State Government admits its failures and accepts responsibility to heal the health crisis.”

The major revelation comes as issues including ambulance ramping, elective surgery delays and a lack of maternity services dominated the Queensland Health Crisis Town Hall in Gladstone today.

Mr Crisafulli said the Opposition would take their stories to the floor of the Queensland Parliament next week.

“It takes a lot of bravery for people to stand up in a room full of strangers and share stories about their health,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“I want to thank everyone who reached out to us today.

“This was our 25th Queensland Health Crisis Town Hall and we won’t stop listening to Queenslanders.

“For a city the size of Gladstone to not have a dedicated birthing unit proves how serious and unacceptable the situation has become.

“After three terms in office, the State Government has given up on listening to Queenslanders.

“The LNP has put solutions on the table including more beds, improving triaging, real time data monitoring and giving the power back to local doctors and nurses.”

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the hard-working doctors, nurses and allied health professionals were working themselves to exhaustion.

“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how stressful it is for my colleagues on the frontline,” Ms Bates said.

“My message to them is simple. We respect you, we value you, and we thank you for what you do.

“As a result of poor planning, the State Government has failed to increase the number of beds in the Central Queensland HHS and Gladstone’s maternity ward remains on bypass.

“Queenslanders can no longer trust this Health Minister.

“The Premier must listen and sack Yvette D’Ath.”