The ongoing issue of bed shortages at Mildura Base Public Hospital has been raised in Question Time by The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham.
Ms Benham has asked the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, when the Government will provide the Mildura Base Public Hospital (MBPH) Emergency Department (ED) with the 30 additional beds it urgently requires to provide adequate and timely patient care.
In addressing the Minister, Ms Benham relayed the heartbreaking story of eighty-six year old Maria, who was brought to Mildura Base Public Hospital recently with a suspected heart attack, via ambulance from Robinvale District Health. Maria was left on a gurney in the ED hallway for 6 hours waiting for a bed, alone and without the comfort of her family, who were forced to remain outside. Maria died later that night, scared and alone.
“How many more loved ones will families have to lose before Mildura Base Public Hospital gets the 30 ED beds it desperately needs so patients like Maria can be treated immediately?” Ms Benham said.
“Why are Victorians like Maria still dying in hospital hallways despite Labor’s repeated promises to fix the health system? How does the Minister sleep at night while people are left to die in public hospital hallways? Our hospital staff are exhausted, overworked, and unsupported. Without even the most basic resources—like sufficient beds—they cannot do their jobs properly. The Government must step up and support both the community and the dedicated staff who care for it.”
Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage health and Victorians are paying the price.
