Urgent investment is needed by the Allan Labor Government to address alarming performance figures at Latrobe Regional Health’s (LRH) emergency department, according to The Nationals Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.
The 2023 Annual Report from LRH reveals just 59% of patients presenting to the emergency department were seen in the clinically recommended time. This is compared with 74% at neighbouring Central Gippsland Health and 78% at Bass Coast Health.
Alarmingly, just 46% of patients presenting to LRH via ambulance were transferred to the ED within the targeted 40 minutes.
“Our doctors and nurses do a terrific job in incredibly difficult circumstances, but it’s abundantly clear our local hospital is under-resourced, and lives are being risked because of that,” Mr Cameron said.
“Some 250 people who presented to LRH last year waited more than 24 hours in ED, which is extremely concerning.”
Mr Cameron said figures for mental health presentations at LRH were also alarming, with 72% of patients in ED waiting more than four hours for treatment.
“Now more than ever there is a dire need for the $10 million mental health emergency department at LRH to alleviate the pressure on our health system,” he said.
“Our local emergency departments are in desperate need of help to keep up with growing demand as Victorians put off crucial medical appointments due to the rising cost of living.
“The Allan Labor Government must take immediate action to properly resource and staff our emergency departments and scrap its unfair Health Tax that is driving up GP costs.”
