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Ingram: hospital upgrade must be a priorityIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, says urgent works promised for upgrading the accident and emergency section of the Bairnsdale Hospital must be given priority by the State Government. By Craig Ingram - 3rd November 2003 - Back to News Mr Ingram and two local doctors, Dr John Urie and Dr Michael Dawkins, met with the Health Minister, Bronwyn Pike, this week to discuss the urgency of the works.
"The government gave a commitment in this term for the upgrading of the facility and although this has been reaffirmed by the Minister, no commitment has been given for works to occur," Mr Ingram said.
"Almost $3 million has been allocated for the upgrade.
"The Minister has acknowledged the poor state of the current infrastructure and the need for a facility that will cope with the demands of an ageing population well into the future".
Chairman of the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service medical staff, Dr John Urie, said the current facility was inadequate.
"Over 15,000 people per year attend the accident and emergency department for treatment," Dr Urie said.
"While we welcome the commitment, we must impress the urgency for these works to be undertaken," Dr Urie said.
Mr Ingram said he has invited the Minister to inspect the facility first hand.
"Local doctors, the BRHS and myself are working together to ensure that the Minister understands it is imperative that the planning of the upgrade is completed.
"It is my view this must be included in the next State Budget to ensure there is no delay," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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