FIRST OBSTETRICS - NOW ONCOLOGY WHAT’S GOING ON IN HEALTH?
Health Minister Katy Gallagher has again been unable to explain serious concerns raised about patient services and staffing issues within The Canberra Hospital - this time in the Oncology Unit, Shadow Health Minister, Jeremy Hanson, said today.
It has been reported hundreds of cancer patients have been forced interstate after being told it would be months before they can receive radiation therapy in the ACT.
“ABC Radio this morning aired the concerns of a woman who was supposed to commence radiation therapy soon after undergoing chemotherapy treatment, but after multiple unanswered phone calls was finally advised at the last moment that she must go to Sydney for treatment,” Mr Hanson said.
“This woman is now being forced to spend more than six weeks away from her family, including two young children, whilst paying for accommodation for treatment that comprises only about 10 minutes of radiation therapy a day.
“The Minister could not say how many cancer patients have been turned away and have been forced to go interstate. She was unable to clarify the reasons for the departure of four radiation oncologists and she was unable to explain how this patient was placed in such an awful position.
“Ms Gallagher was unable to provide any comfort for cancer patients caught in this terrible situation. It would appear she doesn’t have a full grasp on important details within her department, if she was only aware of the issues within the Oncology unit until it was raised in the media.
“This latest situation follows serious allegations about a ‘toxic work culture’, bullying, intimidation and harassment within the Obstetrics Unit of The Canberra Hospital, all of which the Minister said she wasn’t aware of until it appeared in the media.
“Ms Gallagher has shown little interest in addressing concerns that have been raised by staff and patients. I fear more issues will come as staff and patients come forward and tell their stories,” Mr Hanson said.
2 March 2010
