In the lead-up to the upcoming elections, healthcare has emerged as a pressing priority for many Tasmanians, overshadowing discussions about infrastructure projects such as a new stadium. Residents Fiona Macfarlane and Deanna Kruup are using their loud and big voices to try and raise awareness about their frustrations with the healthcare system. They highlight heartbreaking statistics and share powerful anecdotes that demonstrate a desperate and dire need for change.
Unfortunately, Fiona MacFarlane is currently fighting end-stage renal failure. She’s calling on the federal government to ensure health services come before what she terms “non-health luxury goods.” She argues that the dollars planned for a stadium should go towards upgrading desperately needed health care facilities. Deanna Kruup’s experiences further underline this sentiment. After struggling with mental health issues and waiting 12 hours to see a psychiatrist, she felt forgotten by the system.
The Royal Hobart Hospital have established a small three-bed mother-and-baby unit. Elements of this facility have become a leading focal point of our conversation. Many residents feel that healthcare services are insufficient to meet the community’s needs, particularly as thousands of Tasmanians await elective surgeries and specialist consultations.
Personal Stories Highlight Systemic Issues
Fiona MacFarlane’s health issues in recent years have provided her with an inside look at the fight most Tasmanians are faced with. She is in kidney failure and dealing with anxiety and depression. Today, she advocates for more investment in urgent care clinics and improved mental health services.
“The government could prioritise health instead of utopian visions for the future which includes a sports stadium, which is a luxury item, it’s frivolous, we don’t need it,” – Fiona MacFarlane.
Her statements ring true for countless constituents who are tired of the system’s failures stacked against them. Deanna Kruup, who sought admission to the Royal Hobart Hospital’s mother and baby unit, learned she was ineligible despite her urgent need for care. Speaking recently about her long wait for mental health care, the former first lady of Virginia described feeling invisible and hopeless.
“I felt so forgotten and invisible … like I didn’t matter,” – Deanna Kruup.
Dan Geneste, one of the other advocates for healthcare reform, opened up about his frustrations with the system. After living with physical and mental disabilities for several years, he’s faced many challenges in accessing and using healthcare services throughout Tasmania.
“There is not enough staff and there are so many people needing help, everything is just underfunded as hell,” – Dan Geneste.
These stories illustrate a common narrative among Tasmanians: a healthcare system that is struggling to meet the demand of its citizens.
Alarming Statistics Reflect Healthcare Crisis
The figures impacting Tasmania’s health care system are shocking. As of May this year, almost 9,000 Tasmanians are waiting on the elective surgery waitlist. In addition, more than 65,000 people are on a waitlist to see a specialist within the public health system. This backlog has incited a firestorm of criticism from their residents who want them to take action – now – from their elected leaders.
It can’t, because the 2021 Census does show that 37.5 percent of Tasmanians live with a long-term health condition. This rate is quite a bit higher than the national average of 31.7 percent. These staggering numbers shed light on the critical need for more resources and support for people with chronic health conditions.
Political parties have attempted to react to these concerns with different degrees of commitment. The ruling Liberal party promised to deliver 250 more beds at the Launceston General Hospital. The Greens commit $55 million for detailed planning for a new Hobart Hospital. They intend to invest $19.5 million to advance the teaching and research of nursing education in Launceston.
Healthcare continues to be a top concern as we head into election season. Community members are raising their voices like never before to advocate for their needs. Advocates like Allan continue to advocate for better pediatric services, and most recently, we all feel his fears for children who live with conditions like ADHD.
“Forget the stadium, focus on the health of your citizens,” – Mary.
Community Calls for Change
Most of the residents understand that these dollars should go to improving current healthcare infrastructure instead of chasing down new builds. Lin said it was frustrating to undertake diagnostic tests which are not available or have a waiting list of several months in northern Tasmania.
“I want to see a massive change in the availability of paediatrics. My son has lived with ADHD his whole life,” – Allan.
Sean joined this chorus, calling the current state of health imaging, “pathetic.”
“All the diagnostic tests I need are either not available in the north of the state and only available in Hobart with extensive wait lists, or the machines are ‘broken’ or there is no trained personnel available to perform these tests,” – Lin.
As explained by residents who have long been marginalized by the failures of these systems, healthcare has to come first before costly, disruptive projects. Dan Geneste then focused in on how these deficiencies disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
“The health imaging situation in this state is a disgrace,” – Sean.
Residents who feel marginalized by systemic failures emphasize that healthcare must take precedence over other projects. Dan Geneste highlighted how marginalized communities bear the brunt of these inadequacies.
“It impacts marginalised communities much heavier and so that’s why I think it’s very important that we prioritise health in our voting,” – Dan Geneste.
