Friday, 13 December 2024
I am deeply concerned that, once again, two hospitals within the Cootamundra electorate are facing reduced emergency department opening hours during the festive season and summer holiday period.
This recurring issue, twelve months on, highlights the NSW Minns Labor Government’s ongoing failure to address the critical workforce shortages in our small rural communities.
While our communities are incredibly resilient and resourceful, residents in the Coolamon and Hilltops Shires risk facing longer wait times and the added difficulty of travelling greater distances to access 24-hour care at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital or Young Hospital. These hospitals are already under significant pressure, with demand on emergency departments and limited access to available beds.
Our nurses and midwives work tirelessly all year to provide essential healthcare services and deserve a well-earned break over Christmas and throughout January. On behalf of the Cootamundra electorate, I extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their unwavering dedication to our communities.
It is hard to believe that, in 2024, with all the advances in medicine and technology we find ourselves in this situation again where access to emergency departments is limited for some communities. It is completely unacceptable - the people of small towns and villages deserve better and regional communities should not be treated like second class citizens.
It is imperative that the NSW Minns Labor Government recognises the vital role rural hospitals play and ensures they are adequately staffed and fully operational year-round.
