Hospital demands hit small screen

Rob Messenger.

Ron Burgin / Bundaberg News-Mail

ROB Messenger did not have to rehearse his lines as he and fellow Liberal National Party (LNP) candidate Jack Dempsey were miked-up yesterday for a television advertisement to be screened as part of the election campaign.

“The message Jack and I will be passing on is that there's not enough beds, doctors, nurses or specialists to cater for 120,000 people and very shortly that figure will double and we have got to get a health plan to protect ourselves,” Mr Messenger said.

Familiar words from the incumbent member of Burnett, who was getting into his election stride this week, as were the other campaigners - except two.

Yesterday, there was still no sign of the promised Greens candidates, with party headquarters saying Bundaberg and Burnett were their last cabs off the rank when it came to finalisation of nominees.

The Green Party insisted it would provide candidates, although locals were not guaranteed.

Nominations close on Tuesday.

The LNP and Australian Labor Party (ALP) have had their candidates in place since September.

Meanwhile, Phil Freeman (ALP), who is contesting Bundaberg, was jubilant after his first-ever taste of doorknocking, announcing proudly he had tapped on more than 700 doors so far.

Chris Pianta (ALP), contesting Burnett, has also been hitting the pavements, but this weekend will be doing a little light footwork - he is going to country dances at Moore Park and Woodgate.

While Mr Pianta and Mr Freeman were happy to move into weekend mode with community events, Mr Dempsey kept the political focus on health, saying his party's pledge to introduce Patient First Advocates would help “tackle the endless waiting lists that are choking our hospital”.

“Patient-focused advocates will help Bundaberg patients navigate the various appointments and requirements and ensure they have optimal health care,” he said.

Mr Messenger also had some tough words on health - over the contents of the first report into the allegations about 100 incidents in Bundaberg Hospital's emergency department.

“It is another example of political botox,” he said of the 14-page report by Dr Stephen Ayre, released by director general of health Mick Reid on Thursday.

“It is what I'd expect by Queensland Health investigating Queensland Health.”

Of the findings, he said: “They tried to whitewash themselves, but the facts still come out that things were very wrong in the Bundaberg Hospital emergency department.”