Confirmation that Victoria currently has fewer ICU beds than when the COVID-19 pandemic began highlights the vulnerability of Labor’s health system as we struggle out of lockdown.
In April 2020, the Andrews Labor Government promised to deliver an extra 4,000 ICU beds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then Health Minister Jenny Mikakos stated “We currently have about 450, about 500 intensive care beds in Victoria, and now we're going to fund another 4000 intensive care beds taking us to a total of 4500."
Despite this promise, last week in Parliament Health Minister Martin Foley said ICU beds “up and running now is at that 400 mark”.
This comes as Maroondah Hospital’s ICU ward was closed over the weekend.
Victorian State Government failures have already caused more than 800 deaths throughout this pandemic.
The Andrews Labor Government must act today, deliver what he promised and ensure there is a hospital bed for every Victorian in need.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minster for Health, Georgie Crozier:
“It’s simply unacceptable that ICU wards are being closed – putting further strain on our health system.
“The State Labor Government has failed to deliver what it promised last April, which is now putting the lives of Victorians at risk.
“More than 800 Victorians have already lost their lives due to government negligence during this pandemic.”