The Rural Health Inquiry hearing in Dubbo has been told a man died in hospital after being treated almost exclusively online and was only visited once by a junior doctor.
 
The fifth hearing of the Upper House inquiry heard evidence from Narromine resident Vicki Kearines, who lost her father in January this year.
 
Mrs Kearines’ father was admitted to hospital on Boxing Day 2020 and was only visited by a junior doctor once. She recalled a laptop with a doctor on the screen being brought into the room and the family having to remain there while her father struggled to understand the virtual service.
 
Mrs Kearines said the community feels they’re “not worthy of a face” in the hospital, while Narromine GP Dr Neil McCarthy said it’s “sad state of affairs” and that he can’t emphasise enough the gravity of the situation.
 
Earlier in the day the inquiry heard the lights are off two days a week in two operating theatres at Parkes Hospital due to cost cuts, while aboriginal mental health support services are having to reject numerous patients whose conditions are too severe or not severe enough.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Ryan Park said today’s hearing has highlighted the issues around budget cuts and staff shortages.
 
“The Berejiklian Government points to hospital upgrades but bricks and mortar don’t save lives - doctors, nurses and paramedics do. The Liberals and Nationals have reduced rural and regional healthcare capacity and has no plan to turn it around,” Mr Park said.
 
“This is about equality, fairness and a fundamental right to healthcare. The state of healthcare in regional and rural NSW is appalling and this inquiry is essential to help find answers.
 
Shadow Minister for Rural Health Kate Washington said: “There are growing concerns across the state among health workers and communities about the dire state of rural and regional hospitals and health services.”
 
“It is no secret rural and regional hospitals are overstretched and under resourced,” Ms Washington said.
 
“The testimonies we’ve heard so far, coupled with more than 700 submissions to the inquiry showcase the heathcare crisis in regional, rural and remote communities.
 
“The Government must step up and address this serious neglect. Labor will continue to fight for greater healthcare across NSW.”