Health Minister admits there’s no end in sight for children’s hospital crisis
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard admits he can’t provide a quick fix to the funding crisis facing The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Around 50% of vital surgeries are being cancelled due to a lack of funding for beds in the Intensive Care Unit.
Minister Hazzard says he’s well aware of the problem but can’t see an end in sight.
“There is clearly a need for additional space. I’ve indicated to the health authorities they will get more beds, but that requires relocation of other people.
“It’s not going to stop in the short term. I can tell you right now it won’t change dramatically for the next few months.”
Yesterday Ray spoke to a mother and father whose children had their surgeries cancelled just minutes before arriving at the hospital.
Minister Hazzard defended the situation.
“You have to try and prioritise on clinical need… Time to time you can’t get that child in that day for elective surgery.”
Ray, “Please don’t say elective surgery when you’re talking about a child whose heart could give up at any second.
“Don’t call that elective surgery minister. That’s nonsense.”
Click PLAY below for the full interview below