Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips has joined the call for a CT scanner in Milton-Ulladulla Hospital and criticised the lack of services at the hospital.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In her speech to Federal Parliament on Wednesday, September 19, Mrs Phillips said the community deserves the same level of care as those in Sydney.
"Ask the people of Milton about the need for more funding for their local hospital," she said.
"The community would also dearly benefit from a CT scanner but, again, the lack of funding is an issue.
"The birthing centre in Milton Ulladulla Hospital has been closed down, forcing expectant mums and families to travel long distances on the notorious Princes Highway to the hospital at Nowra or Moruya."
"We deserve to have the same quality services that those in Sydney and Canberra have."
The story of Tina's daughter, a patient at Shoalhaven Hospital with a bleeding bowel who had to lie on a bench for over 24 hours, was raised in parliament by Mrs Phillips.
"Last week Tina's daughter presented to Shoalhaven Hospital's emergency department with a bleeding bowel. She was bringing up blood and in a terrible situation," Mrs Phillips said.
"Her daughter had to wait for over 24 hours, lying on a bench in the ED, before a bed could be found.
"They were also told that for at least a week there was no available theatre time for the procedure Tina's daughter needed."
Read more:
She said locals were "suffering" because of Shoalhaven's health care system.
"These delays are unacceptable," Mrs Phillips said.
"Shoalhaven Hospital is known to often be in bed block, with ambulances backed up and unable to transfer patients, because there are simply not enough beds."
"Bed shortages often forced people with severe mental health conditions to travel to Shellharbour or Wollongong for care or miss out altogether.
"I urge the minister to work with the New South Wales government to match my commitment and deliver this facility."
Health Minister Greg Hunt was contacted for comment.