DUNCAN GAY FORCES AN EXAMINATION INTO MISDIAGNOSIS AT DUBBO BASE HOSPITAL

04 September 2009

Acting Health Minister John Hatzistergos has gone some way in providing a commitment from the Government that an internal investigation into cases of misdiagnosis at the Dubbo Base Hospital will be conducted, Duty MLC for Dubbo Duncan Gay MLC.

“Just this week, we have experienced what seems like the third misdiagnosis of patients presenting to Dubbo Base hospital in just over a month.

“The failure and incompetence of this NSW Labor Government is reaching new lows everyday- this time seriously putting people’s health and lives at risk.”

After being told she has a mental health problem and turned away three times from the Dubbo Base Hospital, eighteen year-old Amanda Collins has spent the past week at the Royal Prince Alfred hospital undergoing further tests, having been told she has fluid on her brain.

“What a horrific situation for this family to have to go through,” said Mr Gay.

“In response to my question in Parliament today, Acting Health Minister John Hatzistergos MLC said ‘the particulars of the matter will be the subject of a public examination’ and that he will ‘see what additional information he may be able to provide.’

“I will certainly be holding Mr Hatzistergos to his word on this. This type of incident simply cannot be ignored, and a full and detailed investigation must take place as a matter of urgency,” said Mr Gay.

“The NSW Government is too busy with political infighting. John Hatzistergos needs to make sure health is the number one priority because the people of Dubbo are scared of more cases of misdiagnosis,” he said.

“The people of Dubbo should not have to put up with this any longer. The NSW Liberals and Nationals have the positive, practical plans to put the failing health system back on track.”