“The state of Australia’s health system is of great concern to me.” David Howell, Greens Candidate for Deakin
“I have personally witnessed the good and bad aspects of our health system. I have seen the overworked and stressed medical and nursing staff in our hospitals, I have worked with and supported our emergency paramedics. I have seen the Emergency Departments without beds, waiting rooms at bursting point, ambulances queued up outside. I have dealt with patients requiring surgery languishing at home. I have spent time trying to assist families or individuals try to get help for “at risk” loved ones.”
“Basically I believe our health system is failing in certain areas because politicians and bureaucrats do not understand health. They do not listen to the clinicians – the people working in the industry. Hospital administrators and bureaucrats have the government’s ear. How many hospitals or health facilities have been out of date or inadequate before they are finished? If they’d listened to the clinicians they would have be better informed.”
I want to use my experience, skills and resources to improve the health and wellbeing of the Deakin community and of all Australians. Therefore we need an improved health system that incorporates a sound preventative health program and a clean, healthy and safe environment for everyone.
We need to think outside the box – we need to push for better preventative health systems that are more accessible with fully trained and qualified staff.
The Greens will:
- Develop a National Health Care Strategy focussing on primary health care
- Increase salaried GP numbers and bulk billing.
- Establish 24hour community mental health services
- Expand community based support services and agencies to allow people with chronic mental or physical illnesses and their carers to live in and participate more fully in their communities
- Establish an ongoing assessment of and a management plan for the increased health risks posed by climate change.