Due to the recent media coverage in the Sunshine Coast Daily I would like the opportunity to clarify the issues raised.
When Bill Hoffman [S/C Daily] rang in regard to my views on SCUH privatisation, he posed the question “did I feel cheated and used” I had no hesitation in my reply because members and myself worked hard to achieve the much needed public hospital. We did it with members and community support, which I thank you all for this.
Within a day or so SCUHAG members were outraged when a blog appeared in S/C Daily regarding the issue and SCUHAG. The first few lines began
“It is disappointing to see that Frank Gower and Maureen Mileham are so misguided and mis-informed on this topic. They have obviously swallowed the ALP Union line that the Qld State Government is privatising the SCUHospital, when it is not the case at all”
This blog went on and I decided as chairman to ring S/C Daily for a reply.
The following article gave some of the questions that had previously been asked and Jarrod Bleijie’s response.
When this management took over SCUHAG over 3 years ago we set out to ensure the group was always APOLITICAL.
When members joined attached to their membership was a copy of Appendix B –Rule 3,For those who have never seen this please read below,
Objects for which the association is established are,
1 / Fight for the construction of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and
2/ Improve the health services for the Sunshine Coast by,
a] creating awareness of the lack of health services on the Sunshine Coast.
b] pro-actively approaching the issue of health services on the Sunshine Coast, and
c] engaging the wider community in the issue.
SCUHAG has adhered to the above very successfully, and will continue to do so in the future.
Australian citizenship rights /Freedom of speech it states
All Australians are free to say or write what they think about any subject, issue or person, so long as they do not endanger people, defame anyone or obstruct the free speech of others. The same applies to Australian newspapers, radio, television and other forms of media. Australians are free to protest the actions of government and campaign to change laws”
This is what SCUHAG do, ask questions of government when there is not a clear answer to questions from community members.
SCUHAG hopes the Health Minister can clarify some of the fears being expressed like,
What happens to Nambour and all S/C public hospitals if clinical services at SCUH are privatised?
What flow on effect to the coast will privatisation have?
Five years after SCUH opens hospital bed size expands to 738 beds, how will private enterprise cope with this number?
If private enterprise receive the clinical contract, how long will that contract extend to?
When LNP moved the start the date forward SCUHAG thought our former problems were solved and we finally had a health future to look forward to. With a Local Health and Hospital Board now in place and it is clearly stated operational management for public hospitals and accountability for delivery to a local level is their responsibility.
This being so why is KMPG involved?
These are just a few of the questions needing answers.
I hope it clarifies some issues to you.
Regards Maureen Mileham /Chairman /SCUHAG
