Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens’ Member for Bass
There is an unfolding disaster for patients at the Launceston General Hospital, as a result of Health Minister, Michael Ferguson's failure to respect clinical staff in the State's hospitals.
For the Director of Surgery at the LGH to leave in such a fashion paints a picture of a hospital in crisis. The flow on effects Dr Kirkby’s resignation are yet to be felt fully.
Dr Kirkby left the LGH citing poor management structures. That comes home to the Minister, and local MP, Michael Ferguson.
It’s clear Dr Kirkby’s concerns were ignored by management, and ultimately, the Health Minister.
It is Northern Tasmanians who are suffering as a result of Michael Ferguson’s deafness to clinicians and people working on the frontline in our health system.
Minister Ferguson’s refusal to listen to senior clinicians and those on the frontline in our hospitals, puts patient health below his own political agenda, and – potentially – at risk.
Michael Ferguson has been a failure as Health Minister, and sick Tasmanians are being left to suffer the consequences of his inaction.