Western Metropolitan Region
Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (12:45): (580) My question is for the Minister for Health. Can the minister please provide information on what can be done to bring forward urgent surgery for my constituents who have been on a knee waiting list for five years. Jennifer, my constituent, has contacted me to share her serious concern over the delay to her medical treatment at Footscray Hospital. She has lived in great pain and with limited mobility for five years and is on numerous pain relief medications. There is nothing worse than being promised surgery and then being told to wait year after year. The problem with Jennifer’s knee has caused problems to her hip. Together, these prevent her from being able to walk, sleep or experience a normal life. The longer she waits for surgery, the more her joints and muscles deteriorate through lack of use. The need for surgery urgently cannot wait any longer. She told me that she is willing to do anything. A woman in pain, a woman in desperate need, she is happy to go anywhere to any hospital across the state as long as it means an operation sooner. Can the minister assist my constituent to bring the surgery forward? I am happy to discuss the details with the minister if she is willing.