Petition to save pathology unit
A PETITION to save the pathology unit at Maryborough Base Hospital has gained more than 700 signatures in the past week.
The state government announced in the state budget on September 11 it would be shutting down the unit, cutting six jobs and transferring all testing responsibility to the Hervey Bay Hospital.
"This new petition takes a stand against these unreasonable cuts to public health jobs and services for Maryborough families," Together union organiser Ron Fossen said.
"Even Maryborough's private sector is warning they won't be able to fill the gap in public health services.
The petition was started on September 12, the same day nurses, ambulance officers and other health workers rallied outside of Maryborough Base Hospital against the announcement.
It had 726 signatures at 3pm yesterday.
"Maryborough will be largest city in Australia with no public hospital pathology laboratory, with no cross matching ability to for blood transfusions in emergencies," Mr Fossen said.
"Local GPs have already commented that this could lead to the closure of the Maryborough Hospital emergency department."
Visit communityrun.org and search Maryborough Base Hospital to see the petition.
