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Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Chief Executive Jill Ludford was given eleven questions on the district’s alleged mismanagement, poor decision making and failure to consult staff on changes that have gutted Griffith base hospital – as outlined in a lettter from the hospital medical staff council.
She refused to answer the questions and instead provided a three line response (see below).
As the downgrading of the hospital’s pathology, sterilization and radiology services have a serious impact on the health and safety of Griffith residents, we hope Ms Ludford finds time to offer a better response to the public to whom she is supposed to be accountable.
The Area News questions:
1. Why did MLHD ignore the "grave concerns" and refuse to answer emails regarding the discontinuing of Regional Imaging and adoption of another radiology service?
2. Does MLHD concede their change to radiology services has been "disastrous" for the hospital, as stated by Griffith hospital medical staff?
3. Why was the decision to change radiology services made?
4. Does Ms Jill Ludford recall telling medical staff the close down of the hospital's central sterilising supply department would be "good"?
5. Does she agree it has been good, in hindsight?
6. What is the cost saving of sending base hospital instruments to the private hospital for sterilizing?
7. What role did MLHD play in the decision to have in closing down the hospital's histopathology services?
8. Does MLHD concede that they do not consult hospital staff before making major changes to the hospital?
9. Does MLHD pledge to consult hospital staff in the future?
10. Does Ms Jill Ludford concede she has lost the confidence of hospital staff, council and the community?
11. What is she doing to repair relationships with hospital staff?
Jill Ludford’s response:
Murrumbidgee Local Health District acknowledges the concerns raised by the Griffith Base Hospital Medical Staff Council. We are working with the doctors to resolve the issues.