Published Tuesday, 28 August, 2007 at 04:16 PM

Minister for Health
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
Review to strengthen private cardiac surgical services on the Gold Coast
There has been no decision to close private cardiac services on the Gold Coast, Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
Mr Robertson said the Chief Health Officer would examine the safety and sustainability of the two current private cardiac surgical services on the Gold Coast as part of a statewide review of private cardiac services.
“The Chief Health Officer has the statutory responsibility for licensing private hospitals,” he said.
“This review will consider the number of cases performed in both private facilities and the number of cases performed by each surgeon.
“It is being undertaken to ensure safe and sustainable cardiac services continue on the Gold Coast.”
Mr Robertson said statements from Opposition Health Spokesperson John-Paul Langbroek had been misleading and unhelpful.
“A total of 247 cardiac operations were performed at both private hospitals on the Gold Coast in 2006, not 400 as claimed by Mr Langbroek,” he said.
“However, the Cardio Thoracic Society recommends that hospitals perform up to 400 procedures each year to maintain staff competency and patient safety.
“The Chief Health Officer is working with the AMAQ and Cardio Thoracic Society to develop a solution in the interests of patient safety and service sustainability.
“I hope Mr Langbroek’s scaremongering does not undermine the goodwill and collaboration between these stakeholders.
“The Chief Health Officer’s primary concern is to ensure private cardiac surgical services are safe and can be sustained for years to come.”
28 August, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680
Mr Robertson said the Chief Health Officer would examine the safety and sustainability of the two current private cardiac surgical services on the Gold Coast as part of a statewide review of private cardiac services.
“The Chief Health Officer has the statutory responsibility for licensing private hospitals,” he said.
“This review will consider the number of cases performed in both private facilities and the number of cases performed by each surgeon.
“It is being undertaken to ensure safe and sustainable cardiac services continue on the Gold Coast.”
Mr Robertson said statements from Opposition Health Spokesperson John-Paul Langbroek had been misleading and unhelpful.
“A total of 247 cardiac operations were performed at both private hospitals on the Gold Coast in 2006, not 400 as claimed by Mr Langbroek,” he said.
“However, the Cardio Thoracic Society recommends that hospitals perform up to 400 procedures each year to maintain staff competency and patient safety.
“The Chief Health Officer is working with the AMAQ and Cardio Thoracic Society to develop a solution in the interests of patient safety and service sustainability.
“I hope Mr Langbroek’s scaremongering does not undermine the goodwill and collaboration between these stakeholders.
“The Chief Health Officer’s primary concern is to ensure private cardiac surgical services are safe and can be sustained for years to come.”
28 August, 2007
MEDIA: MATTHEW JUTSUM 3225 2680