With COVID-19 cases set to reach 3000 a day in coming weeks, Shadow Minister for Health Leanne Castley is calling on the Health Minister to explain to Canberrans how she plans to deal with it.

Ms Castley said Canberrans need to know how a haemorrhaging health system already unable to cope with demand will manage, following the Chief Health Officer’s predictions that cases could triple by early August.

“The Health Minister must share with Canberrans her plan to ensure our health system can manage with the predicted surge in demand,” Ms Castley said.

“Already elective surgeries have been cancelled, specialist clinics closed on a daily basis and the Canberra Liberals understands ED beds are regularly being closed too.”

Ms Castley also questioned the Minister’s plans for the $23 million 50-bed, custom-built Garran Surge Centre which was intended to be a Covid-19 emergency overflow department.

“The Surge Centre was designed in partnership with the World Health Organisation with six resuscitation bays, 32 acute non-admitted treatment bays and 12 short stay overnight beds to be activated if the Canberra Hospital is overwhelmed by an outbreak.

“Instead we have a $23 million centre being used to provide advice to Covid-19 patients about how to manage their symptoms and to treat cuts and abrasions.

“Will the Minister use the Surge Centre for its intended purpose and if not why not?”

After three years in the job, Ms Castley said Minister Stephen-Smith’s record was appalling.

“The Minister owes it to Canberrans to detail her plan to ensure the health system can cope with increased pressure ahead given the system is already strained and buckling under demand,” Ms Castley concluded.