Thunderstorm asthma response

Shadow Minister for Health, Mary Wooldridge

Tragically, six people are now confirmed dead after the thunderstorm asthma event last week and our thoughts are with their families and those who are still at risk.

We also acknowledge the significant work of the paramedics and clinicians in very trying circumstances.

However, Daniel Andrews and Jill Hennessy have failed to answer basic questions about what occurred last Monday night and what else could have and should have been done.

Why was there no emergency alerts sent to media on Monday night to inform the public about the serious event and how best to respond?

Why were family members not told to drive directly to an emergency department when extended ambulance delays had the potential to be fatal?

Why was the State’s health emergency plan not followed by all hospitals during the crisis?

It is unacceptable that Victorians will not know the answers for five months, until the review reports in late April.

The fire season is upon us and another type of emergency could be just around the corner. Victorians need to know from Daniel Andrews that when life and death emergencies occur we can be confident our emergency response will be comprehensive, swift and effective.

Media contact:      Michael Lewis         0433 495 454         michael.lewis@opposition.vic.gov.au