Sheed asks for cash incentive for private health staff
Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed asked the Health Minister Martin Foley if he would consider extending the Healthcare Worker Winter Retention and Surge funding to private healthcare workers as well as those in the public healthcare sector.
The Victorian Government recently announced incentive payments of $3,000 for all staff working in public hospitals and ambulance services.
During a speech in parliament this week, Ms Sheed spoke about the private healthcare workers who were excluded from the incentive, despite their hard work assisting the public health system.
“Throughout the pandemic there has been a partnership between the Victorian Government and private hospitals to assist their local public hospitals by taking public patients, when necessary,” Ms Sheed.
“This has certainly happened in Shepparton between Goulburn Valley Health and Shepparton Private Hospital.
“It has also assisted the State Government get through the elective surgery backlogs.
“One medical employee said she often worked late or was called back to make sure public patients received the services they need.
“She did this because she cares about the health of everyone in the community, not whether they are public or private, and feels that it’s been unfair that the $3,000 was not extended to them.”
ENDS
Media contact
Elaine Cooney 0447 820 466 | elaine.cooney@parliament.vic.gov.au
