State of SW Sydney Health Care Under Microscope
The health needs of people in South West Sydney will come under the national political microscope at a Doctors4Health forum hosted by the AMA in Campbelltown tonight.
Major candidates for the seat of Macarthur, Nick Bleasdale (ALP) and Russell Matheson (Liberals), will meet with local doctors to discuss issues such as access to GPs and hospital waiting lists.
AMA National President Andrew Pesce, who will chair the forum, said South West Sydney was the classic case study of the pressures and problems facing Australia’s health system.
“South West Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and one part of the country that has been most let down by the failures of the health system,” he said.
“Population growth has placed incredible pressure on the region’s health infrastructure and health services.
“Most significantly, labour shortages mean that local GPs and hospital doctors are all stretched to the limit.
“All major parties need to address health as their number one priority for South West Sydney, and tomorrow night’s forum will give them a chance to explain their positions, policies and plans.”
Dr Pesce said candidates would also have an opportunity to learn about the real-life impact of health policy decisions by talking directly to local doctors.
“Federal politicians sitting in their Canberra offices are required to make big decisions on health reform. Doctors, however, are working on the front-line of health every day.
“That’s why it’s vital that political candidates take the time to talk to the people who are the heart and soul of the health system, and to hear about how these decisions impact on the lives of both doctors and patients.”
The AMA Doctors4Health Roundtable is open to the media and will be held at Campbelltown Catholic Club from 7pm to 9pm tomorrow night (Tuesday 10 August).
Media Contacts: Anil Lambert 0432 828 006 / Tanzeem Parkar 0419 402 955
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