REDUCTION OF SERVICES A BALANCING ACT: SYKES

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, expressed disappointment in the reduction of weekend emergency services at Alexandra and Yea hospitals.

Dr Sykes said he was acutely aware that doctors in rural areas, such as Alexandra and Yea, cannot be expected to be available seven days-a-week, 24 hours-a-day.

“The doctors have very stressful jobs and like all of us they need a break to refresh themselves and spend time with their family and friends,” he said.

“In this instance it appears that the hospitals, together with the Alexandra and District Ambulance Service and Rural Ambulance Victoria, have made the best of a bad situation and come up with a proposal to meet patient needs as best they can while protecting doctors against burning out.”

As part of the changes, which are effective from December 24, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays there will be one doctor on call for both Yea and Alexandra hospitals. The doctor will work from his/her base hospital and patients will be directed to the nearest appropriate hospital..

There are no changes to the hospitals’ after hour services from Monday to Thursday.

Dr Sykes said in the short term it was important to monitor the effects of the changes on the provision of emergency services, particularly during the busy Christmas/New Year holiday period.

“In the longer term both the State and Federal governments must continue to develop policies which encourage doctors and other professionals and skilled people to choose country Victoria as the place to call home,” he said.

“This requires specific policies such as the program currently operating at Goulburn Valley Base Hospital where medical students spend some of their time in country hospitals.

“There are also specific scholarships for rural students to study medicine,” he said.

Dr Sykes said it is also critical that the governments support the growth of country communities to enhance employment and lifestyle opportunities.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989