The Opposition has slammed the Government for its failure to ensure vital funds flow into regional healthcare as Geraldton’s hospital redevelopment remains at a standstill.
“The State Government has failed the families and communities in the Midwest on their so called election promise,” Ms Davies said.
“Stage one of the works, a carpark, were completed in June last year, but there’s no sign of stage two starting anytime soon.
“The people of the Midwest are still waiting for the promised upgraded emergency department, new intensive care unit, integrated mental health unit and expanded high dependency unit.
“To be boasting a multi-billion surplus while failing to deliver on essential services like health is despicable.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Martin Aldridge MLC said the Government had failed the Midwest.
“The State Government has been ducking and dodging criticism on this issue, but the reality is, after five years of promises, all the Geraldton community has to show is a new car park and entrance façade” Mr Aldridge said.
“With a predicted $8 billion budget surplus, the State Government needs to deliver on their promise to redevelop the Geraldton Health Campus and show that they are committed to improving regional health outcomes.
“The Labor Government and Lara Dalton have left the people of Geraldton high and dry without the services they need today and in the future.”
Mr Aldridge said it was an embarrassment for the Labor Government which continued to make significant spending commitments in Perth – including a new $1.8 billion maternity hospital and the $5.7 billion Metronet project – while ignoring regional health.
“Walking away from upgrades to Geraldton Health Campus risks further harming staff morale, impacting recruitment attempts for the understaffed hospital, and may result in poorer outcomes for patients and healthcare workers,” Mr Aldridge said.
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA said the delays are being felt across the Midwest.
“The Geraldton Health Campus is a hub for the region and families have been strung on for too long as they wait for the McGowan Government to deliver on this promise,” Mr Love said.
“The community deserves answers and improved services, not more delays and shirking of responsibility by the Government.”
