Urgent Care Clinics (UCC) appear to be a major topic of conversation throughout the region ahead of next month’s federal election.
Sitting MP Meryl Swanson and her rival Laurance Antcliff have both promised one for Maitland if either of their respective parties, Labor and Liberal, are successful on 3 May.
However, Independent Philip Penfold is keeping them on their toes in the seat of Paterson, too.
He’s calling for an UCC to be also placed in Port Stephens.
“It’s funny, the major parties are suddenly talking about healthcare in the electorate,” the Maitland City mayor said.
“But, where have they been?
“Under the Labor and Liberal governments, I believe access to affordable healthcare has gone backwards.
“Bulk-billing rates have dropped, even after the current federal government promised to fix them.
“Now, after more than a decade of chasing votes, Ms Swanson is finally saying Maitland will get an urgent care clinic… in three years.
“That’s great for Maitland, but what about Port Stephens?
“I’m calling on both Labor and Liberal to catch up and commit to delivering an UCC in Port Stephens as well.
“The community deserves better than being an afterthought every election cycle.
“Raymond Terrace, Medowie and many of the towns that make up the Port Stephens region are having their needs ignored.”
Ironically, Mr Penfold’s appeal comes as The Nationals’ candidate for Hunter Sue Gilroy made a similar vow in Morisset.
“Labor’s had three years to secure an UCC for the lower western side of Lake Macquarie,” she said.
“However, they’ve failed to deliver.
“As I’ve been doorknocking and talking to locals, they have told me that it can take weeks to months to get into their own doctor and, with that, there are no bulk-billing GPs left in the area.
“If you need urgent care, you must get an ambulance to Wyong Hospital.
“The people of Hunter don’t need to feel ignored anymore… they need access to affordable healthcare.
“Under Labor, it’s never been harder or more expensive to see a GP.
“Medicare bulk-billing rates have collapsed from 88% under the Coalition to 77% under Anthony Albanese.”
But, Hunter MP Dan Repacholi had the final word.
“Labor went to the last election promising to open 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics… and we delivered 87,” he said.
“More than 1.2 million Australians have already been treated at one of them.
“Why didn’t the Liberals/Nationals do something when they were in power before that?”
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