It is devastating for the health and well being of the people of Northern Tasmania and the moral of LGH staff, that yet another highly skilled professional in Professor Rob Fassett, Director of Medicine is leaving the LGH.
Professor Fassett cannot be readily replaced and he has worked tirelessly to retain and regain services at the LGH. The hospital has been dealt a very severe blow and while our State Government continue to say they have no intention of downgrading, the results are exactly that.
While positions such as Oncologist and other medical staff can be advertised, who in their right mind would accept an appointment at a hospital with such an uncertain future as the LGH. Mr. Aird stated on the 24th September that the LGH is a non negotiable cornerstone of Tasmania’s public hospital system and that it will remain so long into the future. Perhaps his Cabinet needs reminding of this.
One wonders if this latest blow is the Government’s way of deflecting attention away from the nurses’ industrial action? When in fact all the nurses are doing is working to rule and refusing to perform extended overtime that would endanger patient safety.
Our local members Jim Cox, Michelle O’Byrne and Michael Polley cannot remain silent any longer. They must now stand up and be counted for the people who elected them. This hospital is crucial to the whole State, whether Hobart bureaucrats believe it or not. It is without question the best performing hospital in Tasmania and has a greater amount of referrals than other Tasmanian Hospitals, and irrespective of the views of some, the LGH is and must remain a major provider of tertiary services.
On Sunday afternoon, 2nd December, 2007 in Launceston City Park, the LGH Support Group will be facilitating an “Appeal for the LGH” with well known artists Jon & Col providing entertainment. Medical Practitioners and others will also be provided with an opportunity to address those present.
Rosemary Armitage
Chairman – LGH Support Group
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