5 February 2013

Attention general and state political reporters

Health Crisis deepens patients at risk as vital work left unallocated $70m black hole in Metro South maintenance work set to get worse The Unions representing maintenance staff at Queenslands hospitals have warned that patients are at risk due to staffing and funding cuts that have left a $70 million dollar backlog of maintenance work not allocated in Metro South District alone. The explosive revelations are contained in the document Report for Metro South Hospital and Health Services Queensland dated December 2012 (Available for viewing on request)The following paragraph is of particular concern; There are reports of a very large backlog of work across the District the cost of which has been estimated from CMMS data to be in the order of $70 million. Unfortunately no-one seems to know at the moment how much it really would cost or what the priorities are that need to be done first in this backlog. The Electrical Trades Unions Scott Reichman supported by Unions representing Plumbers, Carpenters and Maintenance workers has called on the State Government to explain why when there is so much maintenance work to be completed are they cutting 15% of the workforce and forcing every worker in the Building and Maintenance Department to reapply for their job? It is a huge concern for our members and the community that this work is being left unallocated and worse that they are not sure what exactly should be done first and how much it will all cost. We have seen reports in recent days that hospitals are at breaking point (Red Alert Deaths as hospitals stretched Courier Mail 5 Feb 2013) from a clinical perspective and these latest revelations will do nothing to instill confidence that this Government is implementing health policies that are in the best interest of Queenslanders Mr Reichman said patients could die if vital maintenance work was not completed. The questions need to be asked is Intensive Care and theatre equipment, sterilisation equipment, heart monitors, nebulisers for sick kids, and other vital life - saving equipment maintained to the appropriate level and what will happen when further cuts are implemented? This is a health crisis that is of the Governments making, they are implementing ideological head count changes without any regard for the wellbeing of staff and patients, we stand united and call on the Government to halt these cuts he said. Scott Reichman (State Organiser) 0437 184 399 Andrew Irvine (Media Officer) 0448 633 858