[Greens-Media] Tas Greens_Patient Transport Scheme Relaunch_C O'Connor MP

[greens at parliament.tas.gov.au]

PATIENT TRANSPORT PLAN A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Proof Of The Pudding Will Be In Implementation

Cassy O'Connor MP
Greens Shadow Health Spokesperson

Friday, 14 November 2008
Contact: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233
8300

www.tas.greens.org.au


The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the release of the government's
response to two separate reviews of patient transport and medical
retrieval services, as a solid effort to deliver on the improved patient
transport scheme that will be necessary under changes to public health
delivery in Tasmania.

Greens Shadow Health and Human Services spokesperson Cassy O'Connor MP
said the a centrally co-ordinated, appropriately staffed, funded and
resourced statewide transport scheme is critical to meet the needs of
Tasmanians living in urban, rural and regional areas under the Tasmanian
Health Plan. 

"The Health Plan has made, and continues to make, significant changes to
the availability of services for public health patients.  In some parts
of Tasmania, services have been taken away and relocated to other
centres as part of the cost-cutting process," Ms O'Connor said.

"The Greens were prepared to support the Health Plan with the proviso
that it be coupled with an effective patient transport strategy to
ensure no matter where you live in Tasmania, if you need medical
assistance or ongoing treatment for a condition, it will be available."

"Patient care, support for their families, and workers in the patient
transport and treatment sector, must always take precedence over any
other consideration as this patient transport scheme is implemented."

"The proof of this pudding will most definitely be in its
implementation."

"The Health Minister should also commit the government to being
responsive to feedback from patients, families and staff, on the
progress and effectiveness of these changes to patient transport
services."

"It is just one area of necessary reform.   This week, the Australian
Medical Association gave the Bartlett Government plenty of food for
thought with the release of its public hospital report card.  Tasmania's
public hospitals performed poorly against other states' on key
indicators, including the unacceptably long waiting lists.

"The Minister has plenty more work to do to improve public health
outcomes in Tasmania," Ms O'Connor said.




Any opinions expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual and not necessarily the Parliament of Tasmania. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, advise the sender immediately by using the reply facility in your e-mail software.


Warning: Computer viruses may be transmitted or downloaded onto any computer system via e-mail communication. It is the recipient's responsibility to take appropriate action to prevent computer viruses being transmitted In this way. Accordingly the Parliament of Tasmania disclaim all responsibility which arises directly or indirectly from such transmission of computer viruses.