Wide Bay healthcare under threat from Commonwealth

Wide Bay could lose $40 million in health services following a Federal Government decision to refuse funding it owes to Queensland hospitals.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said $40 million translated into more than 9000 fewer surgeries and other hospital admissions for people in the region.

 “This is a savage attack on healthcare in Wide Bay,” Mr Saunders said.

 “The Federal Government’s failure to reimburse hospitals including Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough for hundreds of patients already treated is unfair and it places future health services in our region at risk.”

 Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the independent health funding umpire had ruled the Commonwealth owes Queensland hundreds of millions of dollars for healthcare provided as far back as 2014.

 “We’re not talking about arguments over future funding – this is about Canberra paying for services already delivered,” Mr Miles said.

 “Worse, the amount owing is accumulating – meaning Queenslanders are $979 million worse off over four years because of Canberra’s refusal to pay its fair share.

 “Come on Prime Minister, most of us manage to pay our bills on time. Four years late is pretty rich. Even for you.

“You wouldn’t contract someone to build you a house, and then refuse to pay the bill once you had moved in to your new home.

 “This is the same situation, except we’re talking about healthcare and the lives of thousands of Queenslanders.

 “I’m asking for help – from politicians on all sides, from health professionals, from stakeholders – to encourage the Federal Government to meet its commitments.”

 “Forty million dollars buys a lot of healthcare,” Mr Miles said.

 “And it’s things that matter to people, day-in, day-out.”

 The $40 million Wide Bay component of Canberra’s health bill equals:

• 360 hernia repairs,
• 422 hip or knee operations,
• In total - 8847 medical procedures

 “The Federal Government needs to pay their debt - pay up or continue to put at risk the treatment of hundreds of people in Wide Bay,” Mr Miles said.

 Mr Miles said Queensland Health has worked hard to ensure no one has been disadvantaged while waiting for Canberra to pay its bills.

 “But this is not sustainable,” Mr Miles said.

 “If Canberra refuses to pay its fair share our hospitals will be forced to reduce health services they could otherwise deliver.

 “Canberra’s cuts will see people receiving fewer treatments and waiting longer for it.”

 ENDS

Media contact - Amy Hunter 0423651484