DAN ANDREWS

Andrews failed COVID response threatens West

The Liberal Nationals are urging the Andrews Government to come up with a disaster plan to ease the chaos in our hospitals.

Reports of hospital emergency departments being plunged into crisis amid the Covid lockdown are disturbing and underline a lack of planning and support from the Government.

Emergency departments are in danger of being repeatedly shut down whenever a Covid outbreaks strikes and staff shortages are putting lives at risk.

The Liberal Nationals back calls from doctors who warn a disaster plan is urgently needed to cope with a sudden crisis in staffing levels.

Emergency departments at Sunshine and Footscray were forced to turn patients away in droves on Tuesday night after more than 220 staff were unexpectedly forced into isolation.

The Government needs a plan to deal with sudden staffing shortages caused by Covid.

Emergency medical responses are already in place for natural disasters such as floods and bushfires we need a back-up staffing plan to ensure the lives of Victorians aren’t placed at risk.

Hospitals in recent months have struggled to fill shifts. Where is the fall-back plan to ensure our hospitals can fully serve Victorians.

The issues and Sunshine and Footscray come as western suburbs residents face struggles on two other fronts.

It is taking too long for residents to get tested, with long queues forcing some to give up.

Vaccination clinics have also been overrun as chaos strikes in the west.

Comments attributable to Leader of the Opposition, Michael O’Brien:

“Labor’s failed COVID response has left western Melbourne residents, business and families fending for themselves.”

“Daniel Andrews has no plan to support vulnerable Victorians throughout this outbreak or keep our hospitals open and safe.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier:

“Labors failure to plan has seen unacceptable bottlenecks at testing and vaccination centres and has now triggered emergency department closures.

“There is no surge capacity and the lack of planning is impacting the ability to deliver healthcare to Victorians.

“Day after day, Victorians are trying to do the right thing by getting tested and vaccinated but have been let down by the Andrews Labor Government.”

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