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Nats Push For Increased L.R.H. FundingThe Nationals’ Gippsland members of Parliament intend increasing the pressure for better health facilities in the Latrobe Valley when Parliament resumes next week. By The Nationals - 12th April 2007 - Back to News Eastern Region MP Peter Hall and Morwell MLA Russell Northe will both raise the need for more funds to improve emergency department facilities at Latrobe Regional Hospital and mental health facilities across Gippsland.
Mr Hall said The Nationals’ want the State Government to commit to more funds in the upcoming State Budget, which is usually announced in May.
"The reality is that Latrobe Regional Hospital staff are doing an excellent job under very difficult circumstances," Mr Hall said.
"Refurbishment and expansion of the emergency department has been identified as a priority by the hospital board, while the lack of mental health facilities across Gippsland is placing further strain on the emergency area."
Mr Northe said the upgrade of LRH had been raised as a matter of priority in recent discussions between him, Mr Hall and Nationals’ Leader, Peter Ryan.
"The existing emergency department space is totally inadequate, with nearly 30,000 presentations a year and an increasing number of mental health clients presenting as well.
"The strain is impacting on staff and management as well as patients, and something needs to be done about it."
Mr Hall said the Hospital Board had put out a strategic plan for 2004-2007 which identified a range of service and capital requirements.
"The long waiting times in the emergency department coupled with the excessive demand for mental health services means that LRH must be high on the list for this State Government," he added. "The current situation is a vicious circle; the more people who present to emergency for mental health services, the less resources can be allocated to those in need of emergency treatment.
"The hospital is then forced to use inpatient beds inadequately, which reduces resources for inpatients generally.
"Clearly something has to be done and done quickly.
"We will be seeking assurances – me in the upper house and Russell in the lower house – that the State recognises the problems and will provide dollars in the State Budget to start to tackle the issues," Mr Hall said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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