Rural doctor 'used own money for supplies'
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No confidence: Some nurses have been forced to borrow supplies from a local vet. (ABC News)
The Federal Government has been urged to inject more money into rural hospitals after revelations a doctor at Dubbo Base Hospital, in western New South Wales, paid for supplies out of her own pocket.
The state's Health Minister, John Della Bosca, is also expected to face questions when he visits the central west today.
The Dubbo Medical Staff Council has passed a motion of no confidence in the hospital's management, concerned that unpaid bills are affecting patient care.
The council's chairman, Dr Dean Fisher, says in some cases nurses have been forced to borrow supplies from a veterinary clinic.
"How can the public have confidence in the management of the local health system when the doctors don't?," he asked.
The state member for Dubbo, Dawn Fardell, says she understands the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) now has around $66 million in unpaid bills.
She has reiterated calls for a parliamentary inquiry.
"Really and seriously the management and the administration needs a bomb put through it," she said.
'Big challenge'
The Greater Western Area Health Service has confirmed it is finding it difficult to meet its financial obligations.
The service's chief executive, Dr Claire Blizard, says 5285 invoices were paid last week and another payment run will be made on Monday.
Dr Blizard says the demand for services in the area is high.
"Providing health services is very challenging at the moment," she said.
"Communities have increasing expectations for access to services, we also have significant problems amongst our indigenous population. Certainly, providing services and meeting our financial obligations is a big challenge."
In a statement, Dr Blizard thanked doctors and nurses for their support in buying supplies, but said she does not want them put in that position again.
She will meet the Dubbo Medical Staff Council on Monday night.
The federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, has asked the Prime Minister to intervene to address the funding crisis at the hospital.
The president of the NSW Australian Medical Association, Dr Brian Morton, agrees that the Federal Government must step in.
"We need those GST and tax funding to come back to NSW to fund our public hospital system," he said.
