Community health services are crucial, but under the Liberals we’ve seen cuts and service reductions become the norm. The community is suffering as a result. That’s why the Greens are announcing our plan to invest $5 million annually in a key pillar of community health – physiotherapy services.
Physios are the unsung heroes of our health system. These critical allied health staff help the community in so many ways. But after a decade of Liberal neglect, demand for physios through the public health system is massively outpacing their availability.
We’re hearing from the union and staff that community physio services in southern Tasmania are stretched so thin that people are waiting six months for support that is meant to happen within two weeks. Patients are suffering in pain, left unable to work, or end up with preventable complications. The toll on staff is huge.
The situation being experienced across at least 15 community health facilities in southern Tasmania is bad enough right now. But even worse, more cuts are on the cards.
HACSU says southern community health services are actively considering cuts to services for key areas like:
- Perinatal pelvic and back pain
- Chronic conditions and persistent pain
- Neurological conditions e.g. dementia, MS, Parkinsons
- Vascular and respiratory conditions
- Preparation for surgery
Our health system is struggling as it is without more “efficiency” cuts to crucial community services. Without proper investment now, those cuts are inevitable.
The Greens are listening to HACSU and to staff about the needs for physio services in southern Tasmania and we’re proud to announce our plan to hire 49.8FTE in staff. These include:
- 20.8 FTE physiotherapists + 3.4 FTE relief factor
- 18.7 FTE Allied health assistants and administration staff + 4.4 FTE relief factor
- 2.5 FTE physio leadership positions
This support would make sure the community can continue to access all current services, bring down waitlists, and support the reinstatement of hydrotherapy services in rural areas.
We know communities are crying out for health services that meet their needs. The Greens understand investment in critical areas like allied health is so much more important than building a billion-dollar stadium.
