Record number of patients treated in Qld hospitals

Queensland’s public health system is performing better than ever, with a record 1.1 million patients being admitted to hospitals in 2013-14.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg today praised the staff of Queensland’s public health system for achieving a massive increase in patient care while also boasting Australia’s shortest median surgery waiting time.

Mr Springborg said the record activity represented an increase of 122,585 patients or 12.7 percent who were treated compared to the last full year of Labor of 2010-11.

“Our hospitals have delivered significant improvements in nationally-recognised performance standards at the same time as they have dealt with a significant increase in public demand,” he said.

“From every angle, these facts point to the fast improving performance of Queensland Health under the strong plans of the LNP Government.

“Not only have we seen increased admitted activity in our hospitals delivered by our own staff, we are also funding an increase in the admitted activity we are delivering in partnership with the private sector.”

Mr Springborg said one of the biggest pressure points of the health system, accident and emergency departments, saw massive improvement with a record number of 1.83 million patients presenting for treatment.

He said that meant an extra 180,000 patients were treated compared to the final year under the former Labor government of 2010-2011.

“Compared to Labor’s last full financial year in Government we have also witnessed a 10.9 per cent increase in accident and emergency services across all Queensland public hospitals,” Mr Springborg said.

“Queensland Health also recorded an 8.4 per cent increase in the delivery of outpatient services.

“These are significant examples of the increased demand and activity our hospitals are faced with and their continued efforts to reduce waiting lists and meet targets during this period are outstanding.”

Mr Springborg said it was an extraordinary achievement for Queensland’s Hospital and Health Services to continue recording improved performance given the increasing levels of demand.

“Every year our health services are seeing more Queenslanders present to emergency departments, more patients admitted to our hospitals and more patients referred to outpatient services,” Mr Springborg said.

“Fortunately, over the past two and a half years the LNP’s strong plan to revitalise Queensland Health has delivered a significant increase in the front line services being delivered to Queensland families which is helping to manage the growth in demand.”

He said the Government was committed to continuing to meet the needs of the Queensland community and providing appropriate healthcare in a timely manner.

[ENDS] 22 October 2014

Media Contact: Cameron Thompson 0407 585 230

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