Shadow Minister for Health Rob Lucas said the Weatherill Labor Government had wasted up to $500,000 on an unused x-ray suite at the Elizabeth GP Plus Clinic.
SA Health whistleblowers have confirmed that the brand new x-ray machine at the Government funded GP Plus Clinic at Elizabeth had never been used in the three years since it had been installed.
The estimated cost of purchase of this x-ray machine was up to $250,000 with an equivalent amount spent on the suite and associated equipment and facilities. For example, the installation of lead lining for the protection of staff and patients is an expensive part of any x-ray suite.
“This is yet another example of the waste and financial mismanagement of Minister Snelling and the Weatherill Labor Government,” said Mr Lucas.
“Families in the north-eastern suburbs will be furious when they see the paediatric ward and services being closed at the Modbury Hospital whilst up to $500,000 is wasted in this way.
“It is understood that senior management in SA Health have been aware for most of the three years that the machine was not being used, yet no action was taken.
“Premier Weatherill’s Health Minister Snelling must now explain why he has allowed this unacceptable situation to continue and why he has done nothing to resolve the situation.
“At the very least it would seem sensible to use the machine elsewhere if the Weatherill Labor Government now believes it is not required at Elizabeth.
“The Weatherill Labor Government’s policy of GP Plus clinics has been very controversial and there have been many accusations of significant wastage of taxpayers’ money.”