Premier resists inquiry into Western Sydney Hospital crisis

Mark Speakman
NSW Leader of the Opposition

Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health

The NSW Premier has again turned his back on the people of Western Sydney, refusing to support an urgent inquiry into the worsening crisis at Blacktown Hospital.
 
In Budget Estimates today, Premier Chris Minns rejected Opposition calls for an inquiry, choosing excuses and political spin over real answers for patients and families.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said families in western Sydney deserve real answers on why their hospitals are some of the poorest performing in the State.
 
“The Premier’s refusal to support an inquiry shows he’s more interested in political spin than fixing the health crisis in Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the decision was deeply disappointing for the many families who have bravely shared their stories.
 
“The people of Western Sydney deserve answers. Instead of acknowledging the crisis and committing to action, the Premier is hiding behind excuses about the past. Families are sick and tired of excuses - they want solutions.”
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into health outcomes and hospital access in Western Sydney.
 
Blacktown and Westmead Hospital are the worst performing hospitals in state for patients starting treatment on time. They also score poorly on patient satisfaction surveys.
 
“No one should be forced to lie on the floor of an emergency department or sleep in their car waiting for treatment. That’s not a health system - that’s a disgrace,” Mr Speakman said.
 
The terms of reference for the inquiry include a review of the operational performance, clinical safety and quality of care provided at Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Westmead, Cumberland, and Auburn Hospitals.