Better management helps QH to connect patients

Queenslanders are receiving their surgery sooner thanks to the continued success of Queensland Health’s surgery connect program.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the program was one in a range of government strategies to address the Labor Party legacy of long waiting lists.

“By funding Surgery Connect, we help elective surgery patients who are waiting longer than is clinically recommended to receive their surgery sooner,” Mr Springborg said.

“In 2012-13 alone, this program supported more than 3,800 procedures.

“From 2012-13, an extra 8,000 procedures will be provided over four years, through public-private partnerships at a total cost of $55 million.

“It means 2,000 extra surgical procedures a year and will reduce pressure on elective surgery waiting lists in public hospitals.”

Mr Springborg said surgical specialties in high demand included orthopaedics, urology, endoscopy and ophthalmology.

“That’s why Surgery Connect continues to target these areas,” he said.

“This strategy is dedicated to treating those patients waiting longest.”

Queensland facilities experiencing highest demand included:
• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
• Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Ipswich Hospital
• The Cairns Hospital
• The Townsville Hospital

“Under this CanDo Government, service contracts with private hospital providers have been renewed and new outsourcing opportunities are available in more than 45 private hospitals state-wide,” he said.

“For our patients, these are the benefits of the government’s success in partnering with the private sector to deliver surgical services – as outlined in our ‘Blueprint for better healthcare’ in February.

“It demonstrates our commitment to reduced wait times and improved health for Queenslanders.”

[ENDS] 27 November 2013

Media contact: Cameron Thompson 0407-585230