Claims about Peel Health Service plans 'a litany of lies'

17/3/95

The people of Mandurah are being hoodwinked by a litany of lies being spread by the unions and the Opposition over plans for the Peel Health Service. Health Minister Graham Kierath said the Peel Health Service was a public hospital, and would remain so.

"Treatment at that public hospital - and all public hospitals - for public patients is free and nothing will change that," Mr Kierath said.

"Public patients will continue to be admitted in exactly the same way as they are now.  There will be no charge, no qualification to be met and no need for private insurance.

"It is a straight out lie for the Nurses' Federation to suggest otherwise.

"It also a lie and a demonstration of the Federation's ignorance that it can suggest the Government is selling off the service to reduce the burden on Treasury.

"And it is a lie to say there will be a completely private system in Peel - it is not private, it is a public hospital.

"I hope the local media has the courage to publish this statement which accuses the Federation of lying, because it is the only way this malicious campaign can be stopped.

"For the record, all people in Mandurah and users of the Peel Health Service must understand that contracting out of services will only happen if it provides an equal or better service to the public and that any savings will be turned back into the health system to reduce waiting lists and improve patient care.

"But it remains a public hospital, treating public patients free of charge."

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133