Yesterday a meeting at Scottsdale attracted 110 supporters of Dr McGinity
Member for Bass Sue Napier and Federal Candidate for Bass Steve Titmus also attended
New paramedic-staffed ambulance service needed now, not in 18 months time
Yesterday’s meeting in Scottsdale confirmed that support for Dr McGinity is as strong as ever.
The people at the meeting were alarmed by recent comments from the Medical Council that the McGinity investigation could take up to two years.
While there was support for the Medical Council of Tasmania to continue investigating medical complaints, concerns that Dr McGinity has been denied natural justice have not gone away.
That is why the Liberals are committed to having the process for making and investigating medical complaints reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee.
The meeting raised further issues about the how a new ambulance service plan would operate.
The new system requires that the views of local GPs be sought as decisions are being made about how to best deal with patient transfers. That should have always been the case.
The State Liberals brought this matter to the attention of Parliament which resulted in the change of policy.
It was invaluable to have a key representative from Ambulance Tas at the meeting to clarify how ambulance policy works and what it means for individuals in the community.
In light of the difficulties and concerns being expressed by local North East residents, it is important to get the paramedic service operating as soon as possible.
Every effort should be made to seek out trained personnel, and advertise for the two paramedics that would be needed for the station, whilst at the same time, working with the local NESM to ensure that at least interim facilities for the ambulance and staff could be made operational now.
This will ensure the service starts sooner rather than in the 18 month timeframe the Health Minister has suggested.
Sue Napier MP Tasmanian Liberal Member for Bass
