Regional health workers are not "duds", union says
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union has hit back at claims that regional health staff employed by Queensland Health are ‘duds’.
The comments were made in Parliament by Opposition Health Spokesperson Ros Bates, which the union described as a slap in the face for all highly-professional members working in regional Queensland health settings.
"As we know, the COVID pandemic has stretched resources and placed enormous pressure on our frontline health professionals. They have worked incredibly hard, and continue to work incredibly hard, around the clock, providing quality care to their patients in rural and regional communities," a union spokesperson said.
"Ros Bates, they are not ‘duds’.
"It is an absolute disgrace that frontline health workers in regional Queensland can be insulted like this in such an insensitive manner. QNMU members are furious.
"As a matter of urgency, Ros Bates must walk back in to the Chamber and retract her comments and apologise.
"Queensland health workers must be commended for the contributions they make each and every day, in keeping our community safe and healthy.
"Ros Bates and the LNP must show regional health workers the respect and courtesy they deserve," the spokesperson said.
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