CLP Will Fix Darwin Health Problems

A Country Liberals Government would make delivery of the long promised Oncology Unit and solving the long running shortage of nurses priorities.

More than 3000 people have died from cancer in the Northern Territory since Labor first promised a Radiation Oncology unit. Many of those people were forced to travel far from home, at great expense, to undertake treatment for their illness.

“The time for excuses and delays in the delivery of an Oncology Unit has long passed,” says Terry Mills, Leader of the Country Liberals.

“A Country Liberals Government will deliver this necessary medical service for Territorians suffering cancer.

“The 44% attrition rate for nurses in the Territory is bleeding the health system of expertise and money.

“The loss of experienced nurses on a daily basis compromises the delivery of health care throughout the Territory and places patients at unnecessary risk.

“With almost half the nurses turning over on an annual basis its inevitable the remaining staff are forced to work dangerously long hours to detriment of patient care and their own health.

“The Country Liberals would offer nurses a 14% pay rise over 3 years with the added incentive of a 6% superannuation bonus for nurses after 5 years continuous public sector employment. (For every percent a nurse contributes to their super, the government will match it to a maximum of 6%)

“Rewarding nurses who stay in the public health system by improving their superannuation conditions will help retain more nurses in the system.

“The Country Liberals will also provide HECS rebates for doctors and nurses recruited by Territory Health. For each year of service the Territory Government will pay their HECS fees.

“The Country Liberals will also establish an integrated system of maternity services across the Territory and will expand the Community Midwifery Program to provide greater choice for women regarding their birthing options.

“To ease the chronic parking problems at Royal Darwin, a Country Liberal Government will construct an under-cover car park.”

2008-08-04