The story of Tina's daughter, a patient at Shoalhaven Hospital with a bleeding bowel who had to lie on a bench for over 24 hours, has been raised in federal parliament.
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Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Septemper 18, Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips said Tina had contacted her to tell her daughter's story.
"Last week Tina's daughter presented to Shoalhaven Hospital's emergency department with a bleeding bowel. She was bringing up blood and in a terrible situation," Mrs Phillips said.
"Her daughter had to wait for over 24 hours, lying on a bench in the ED, before a bed could be found.
"They were also told that for at least a week there was no available theatre time for the procedure Tina's daughter needed."
In her speech Mrs Phillips said locals were "suffering" because of Shoalhaven's health care system.
"These delays are unacceptable," she said.
"Shoalhaven Hospital is known to often be in bed block, with ambulances backed up and unable to transfer patients, because there are simply not enough beds."
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"Bed shortages often forced people with severe mental health conditions to travel to Shellharbour or Wollongong for care or miss out altogether.
"I urge the minister to work with the New South Wales government to match my commitment and deliver this facility."
The reduction of services at Milton Ulladulla Hospital and the lack of a CT scanner were also highlighted.
"The birthing centre in Milton Ulladulla Hospital has been closed down, forcing expectant mums and families to travel long distances on the notorious Princes Highway to the hospital at Nowra or Moruya.
"The community would also dearly benefit from a CT scanner but, again, the lack of funding is an issue."
"We deserve to have the same quality services that those in Sydney and Canberra have."
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has been contacted for comment.