THE State Opposition has promised Townsville residents they’ll take their stories from today’s Queensland Health Crisis Town Hall to the floor of the Parliament.
Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli and Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates joined locals from across North Queensland for the LNP’s 30th town hall.
Mr Crisafulli said it was a significant milestone for Queensland.
“We promised Queenslanders we would travel the state to hear their stories about the health system and we won’t stop,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“It’s always daunting for people to share their medical stories in front of a room full of strangers.
“Today’s stories in Townsville were harrowing and deeply personal.
“Locals aren’t angry at the frontline staff, they’re frustrated with the State Government.
“The Premier and Health Minister have failed to plan, deliver and evaluate.
“After eight years in office, the State Government has given up on listening.
“The LNP has put solutions on the table including better resourcing, improving triaging, real time data monitoring and giving power back to local doctors and nurses.
“I toured Townsville Hospital earlier this month and was blown away by the professionalism and dedication from frontline health staff.
“All Queenslanders should be proud of the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.”
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said all Queenslanders deserve a world class health system no matter where they live.
“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how stressful it can get on the frontline for both patients and staff.
“More than a quarter of all patients on the elective surgery waitlist at Townsville Hospital aren’t seen within the clinically recommended time and more than 17,000 locals are on the waiting-list-for-the-waiting-list just to see a specialist.
“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet.
“This is your grandmother needing cataract surgery or your father needing an endoscopy.
“The State Opposition will keep fighting for better healthcare.
“North Queenslanders deserve better.”