People living in the West Coast, Circular Head and King Island communities are concerned by the Hodgman Minority Government's decision to shut eight rehabilitation beds at the North West Regional Hospital.
Labor Member for Braddon, Anita Dow, tabled a petition of more than 1800 signatures in Parliament today, calling for the Government to immediately reinstate the beds.
"Despite a commitment to keep the eight rehabilitation beds at the NWRH open, the failed former Health Minister Michael Ferguson shut them without consultation a month before the Government claimed 'record funding in health and hospitals'," Ms Dow said.
"The North West Coast has an ageing and highly dispersed population with a high incidence of chronic disease and services must be enhanced, not downgraded.
"This change will mean more travel time for people living in our rural and regional communities which is simply unacceptable.
"Understandably, members of the community are outraged over this short-sighted decision and this is reflected in today's petition.
"I urge the Minister to listen to the community and immediately reinstate the eight rehabilitation beds at the North West Regional Hospital and also rule out further cuts to health services on the North West."
Anita Dow MP – Labor Member for Braddon
