NSW LIBERALS DON’T CARE ABOUT WESTERN SYDNEY HEALTHCARE

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland MP, has slammed the NSW Liberal Government over cuts to elective surgery procedures at Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals.

Under the directive issued by the NSW Government, elective surgery across both hospitals will cut by around 400 sessions a year. These cuts include hip and knee replacements, and procedures affecting the stomach, breasts, liver and appendix.

“Before the 2015 State Election, the NSW Liberals promised a new hospital for North-West Sydney in the following term. Before the 2019 State Election, they announced a site, and “hospital” in name only. Today, we learn that the Head of Surgery at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals has been told to make serious cuts to surgical services in 2020”, Ms Rowland said.

“It’s clear the NSW Liberals only care about Western Sydney healthcare during election campaigns”.

Ms Rowland praised Dr Richard M. Hanney, who revealed the NSW Liberal Government’s directive, for his decision to come forward.

“Local residents have a right to know who is in their corner when it comes to accessing local healthcare. Dr Hanney has taken an extraordinary personal risk by speaking out”.

“It’s a shame Liberal MPs from Western Sydney, including the Members for Riverstone and Seven Hills, don’t possess the same courage to speak out against their own government’s cruel directive”.

Ms Rowland has called on the NSW Liberal Government to reverse its decision and deliver increased healthcare services in Western Sydney.

“The Blacktown Local Government Area is rapidly growing. We need increased access to healthcare services – not less”.