A LABOR MP’S motion calling for an investigation into Wagga Hospital’s reported budget blowout and recruitment freeze has been shot down in parliament.
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Legislative Council member Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday demanded the Health Minister immediately launch an inquiry into alleged budgeting and staffing woes inside the Wagga Rural Referral Hospital.
However, Liberal and National members of parliament voted against the motion – preventing it from passing.
It comes after latest health department data revealed 2814 emergency patients at Wagga hospital waited more than four hours to receive treatment in the first quarter of this financial year.
Insiders claim the hospital is frequently over budget, with one saying an $8 million shortfall has prompted a crisis meeting in upper management.
Mr Mookhey said the motion was about informing residents of the truth.
“The motion I moved is about getting answers for the community,” he said.
“When hospital insiders are saying that senior management have called a crisis meeting, the public deserves to know what is going on.
“Every Australian should be entitled to quality healthcare.
“By shutting down this motion, Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s message to the people of Wagga and the Riverina is (that) you don’t deserve to know what happens at your hospital.”
Wagga Labor councillor Dan Hayes joined the fray, questioning Wagga MP Daryl Maguire’s knowledge of the issues at the hospital.
“He (Maguire) and his Liberal-National colleagues must come clean,” he said.
“What do they know and what is going on at Wagga hospital?”
Mr Maguire unleashed a tirade on Mr Mookhey and defended the operation of the rural referral hospital, which he claims is over-performing.
“For a two-minute cowboy to attack the contributions of hardworking staff with a faceless, nameless source is appalling,” Mr Maguire said.
“The hospital is going terrific and is exceeding in every measurable aspect.”
Murrumbidgee Local Health District chief executive Jill Ludford backed Mr Maguire’s claims.
“Since it opened in January 2016, Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital has treated more patients while continuing to improve its performance,” she said.
“In anticipation of increased patient activity, the hospital received an additional $17.4 million in funding this financial year, or an increase of 10.5 per cent.
“The hospital has treated an additional 5500 patients in the 12 months since opening, or an increase of eight per cent.
“Despite the increase in patient demand, at the end of January 2017 WWRRH improved its performance in all areas compared to the same time last year.”
