Damning evidence has been heard at the rural health inquiry in Wellington, where a doctor described four regional hospitals running out of antibiotics and blood supplies.
 
The Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes and Access to Health and Hospital Services in Rural, Regional and Remote NSW held its fourth hearing in Wellington today.
 
Warrumbungle Shire Council Deputy Mayor Anniello Iannuzzi, who is also a General Practitioner and Visiting Medical Officer, told the inquiry that hospitals in the shire regularly run out of basic medicine and have no regular supplies of blood.
 
Dr Iannuzzi told Labor inquiry committee member Walt Secord that doctors are forced to ‘make do’ or ‘cut corners’ and that the quality of hospital equipment being used to treat patients isn’t what it should be.
 
The inquiry also heard from nurses who said two days ago, three patients needed antibiotics and they had run out. They also revealed it was common to run out of incontinence pads and have to ask nursing homes for supplies.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park said: “The evidence coming out of the today’s hearing is damning, but unfortunately all too common right across regional and rural NSW.”
 
“We’ve heard hundreds of devastating accounts just like these in Wellington due to a health crisis perpetuated by the Liberal-Nationals’ neglect,” Mr Park said.
 
“The health inquiry is shining a light on the appalling conditions our vital health staff are experiencing day in, day out.
 
“We must make these workplaces safe. Access to quality healthcare should be a given in NSW.”
 
Shadow Minister for Rural Health Kate Washington said: “During the first three hearings, we heard about doctors working 48 hours straight, kitchen staff looking after newborn babies and doctors considering resigning from their local hospital due to the pressures they face.
 
“The hearings come after more than 700 submissions were received by the inquiry from people across NSW,” Ms Washington said.
 
“These horror stories are unacceptable. It’s time for a change. Our regional communities deserve better.”
 
Labor’s representatives on the committee are Greg Donnelly MLC and Walt Secord MLC.