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Doctors condemn inaction

Doctors have criticised the lack of meaningful action by the NSW and Victorian Governments on the integration of health services and called for a commitment to timeframes for action.
 
At the meeting doctors unanimously passed a motion stating:
 
Local doctors who are committed to servicing the needs of the Albury Wodonga communities express concern at the failure of Victorian and New South Wales Health Ministers to finalise the integration of the Albury Wodonga Health Services.

This failure:
  • has had a detrimental impact on the welfare of the local communities, and
  • has maintained obstacles to attracting doctors to relocate to the area threatening the services’ ability to meet the region’s growing health needs.
To address doctors’ concerns, we call on both State Governments to:
  • Provide a  time frame for the health service integration,
  • Ensure structured consultation with local doctors, and
  • Release the Duckett Report into the integration of the health services to facilitate the integration process
Failure to meet these reasonable requests will demonstrate both governments’ lack of commitment to an open and transparent process.
 
AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis said: “The meeting has been a valuable opportunity for both governments to give a progress report.
 
 “Unfortunately our fears have been confirmed on the lack of progress, despite it being many years since a commitment was made. What doctors and the community need now is a can-do attitude from the governments to ensure integration proceeds in a timely manner so people living in Albury Wodonga can have the health service they need and deserve.
 
“The commitment given at the meeting by both governments to improving communications with doctors and the community on the project is a welcome start.”
 
AMA NSW President Dr Andrew Keegan said: “This meeting has been a step in the right direction, but it highlights the failure of the health ministers to finalise the integration of Albury Wodonga health services, after an intergovernmental agreement was signed four years ago. Failure to progress will have a significant impact on patient care and staff conditions.
 
“We are looking for commitment from both the Victorian and NSW governments, in the form of a reasonable time frame and adequate resources. The priority here is patient care,” Dr Keegan said.


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