“It is unfortunate that at a time when first the Greens, and now Labor, are coming on board giving in-principle support to the new greensfields hospital proposal, the Health Minister is indulging in petty politics,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This is one of the most significant and important decision we’ll make as a state for decades to come. We need the Minister and the government to take a co-operative approach so all parties and stakeholders can work constructively to deliver the best health outcomes into the future.”
“The Greens initially advocated a greenfields site for a new State hospital. Since then we have seen many unforseen issues with the redevelopment of the current RHH site, making the new greensfields proposal worthy of serious consideration.”
“The current, confined space with the existing site poses very serious and intractable issues around decanting vulnerable patients, asbestos contamination, and challenges for clinicians, patients and carers alike.”
“A new hospital built to purpose means we can put in economies of scale, savings around energy consumption with renewable energy options, workable public transport access, and crucially a healthy environment for patients and staff.”
“The challenge for Minister Ferguson is to put aside petty point-scoring politics and instead concentrate on developing a constructive and co-operative approach so we can all work together to deliver a world-class, purpose built hospital for the State,” Ms O’Connor said.