Labor ignoring plight of Kiama patients
Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health
Patients across Kiama and the South Coast are waiting the longest time on record for elective surgery – legacy of Labor's cuts to the health budget.
Independent Bureau of Health Information data shows that in the January-March 2025 quarter, only about half of patients (52.6%) at Shellharbour Hospital were having their surgery on time, compared to 87.6% of patients when the Coalition left office in the Jan-March quarter in 2023.
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said Shoalhaven Hospital was also performing poorly, with just 61.5% of surgeries performed on time under Labor.
“This data shows the impact that the Labor Government’s neglect of Kiama has had,” said Ms Sloane. “The numbers of elective surgeries performed in Shellharbour has been in freefall, dropping 32.3% on the previous year. This is an alarming trend under Labor.”
“These are not just statistics; they are real people waiting for life-changing surgery to restore their quality of life.
“Whether it’s people in Shellharbour who are forced to wait for overdue cataract surgeries, or huge delays for knee and hip replacement surgeries in Shoalhaven – locals have had enough.”
“This region should not be taken for granted, and only the Liberals have the track record of delivering services and support for this community. Labor should not be rewarded for ignoring Kiama and its needs.”
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