Response to claims about Bunbury public hospital

4/6/93

Health Minister Peter Foss has responded angrily to claims that Bunbury would not have a public hospital under the Court Government.

Mr Foss said the claims made by Opposition spokesman David Smith were mischievous and wrong.

Responding to a report in the 'Leschenault Reporter' this week, Mr Foss said the Government would not consider any development which would leave Bunbury without a public hospital.

"Mr Smith is misleading the community with his extraordinary claim that the Government would leave Bunbury without a public hospital," he said.

"He is playing a mischievous game, trying to score cheap political points by scaring the community with talk of secret meetings and deals.

"Yes, as I previously announced publicly, we are meeting with St John of God Hospital to discuss the possible co-location of hospital services.

"This is a logical development, and it is outrageous that Mr Smith, who was instrumental in preventing this option being considered previously for purely political reasons and to the great detriment of the Bunbury region, should now be spreading mischievous lies.

"Had the previous government done its job properly, and considered the benefits to Bunbury and the State health system instead of worrying about their trade union mates, we would not have to try to fix the job up properly after them.

"Because we are concerned with proper government, good management and the interests of Bunbury, we are taking another look at the options, and if a decision is made to proceed, we would consult widely with staff, the community and all the people Mr Smith says we are keeping in the dark.

"Mr Smith was the one who kept the community in the dark about his involvement and the community was never given a chance to be consulted.

"He should look to his own performance rather than criticise ours.

"One thing is crystal clear - Bunbury will continue to have a public hospital service no matter what decision is made regarding co-location.

"The option we are investigating would improve the range of services by combining the one location, and to suggest otherwise is blatant scaremongering."

Media contact: Jeanne Klener (09) 325 8655 : 222 9595