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Martin Cameron demanded an explanation from the Victorian Health Minister after Latrobe UCC closure worsened hospital ED pressure

The Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic in Moe closed without notice on January 13, worsening pressure on the already overwhelmed Latrobe Regional Health emergency department and raising concerns about urgent care access in the Valley.

By news@gippsland - 16th January 2025 - Back to News

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has been asked for a please explain after the Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic* Moe was closed to patients without notice on Monday 13 January. The Latrobe UCC, which is supposed to take the pressure off hospital emergency departments (ED) and services the whole of the Valley, also cut its hours of operation on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January 2025.

Martin Cameron and Melina Bath highlights with 57% of LRH patients waiting over four hours, UCC closures worsen pressure on emergency departments, crucial for urgent care in Latrobe Valley

Urgent care crisis

The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said, "I have received calls from people who attended the UCC on Monday, only to find it was shut, forcing them to attend the already overwhelmed ED at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH)."

"Figures from LRH's 2024 annual report show 57 per cent of patients waited more than four hours in ED, so we cannot afford to shift the burden to the hospital when the UCC is shut. There is also no pharmacy offering 24-hour service in the Latrobe Valley, making the UCC crucial in ensuring residents have access to urgent care when they need it."

"Add to this Labor's announcement of its disastrous health mergers by stealth last week, and LRH is being lumped with the task of providing more than 85 percent of care over time for the whole of Gippsland. More than ever before, locals need to be assured they can access urgent care without having to present to the emergency department," Mr Cameron said.

Health system crisis

The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said patient care was being compromised under Labor. "At a time when our health system is crumbling, the closure - for any length of time - of the UCC has the potential to completely overwhelm the LRH emergency department."

"On Wednesday afternoon we witnessed 11 ambulances and one adult retrieval critical care vehicle ramped at LRH, highlighting the excessive workload on our regional hospital emergency departments."

"Our hard working nurses and doctors are bearing the burden of Labor's 10 years of mismanagement and chronic underfunding of our health system, leading to poorer patient outcomes. The Allan Labor Government cannot manage money, cannot manage our health system, and Victorians are paying the price," Ms Bath said.
Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
  Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
  Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.