SURGERY CONNECT TREATS RECORD NUMBER OF QUEENSLANDERS

Preliminary figures indicate Queensland Health’s Surgery Connect initiative will have treated almost twice the number of patients initially predicted in its first six months.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said he expects Surgery Connect, which targets category two and category three patients waiting longer than recommended, will have treated more than 4,600 patients in the June 2008 quarter when the final figures are published early next month .

“The whole aim of Surgery Connect is to complement existing services to relieve some of the pressure on our public hospitals so they can get on with the job of treating urgent and semi-urgent cases,” Minister Robertson said.

“This is reflected in the excellent preliminary elective surgery figures, and I expect to see a reduction in elective surgery waiting lists when final figures are published,” he said.

Tabling a response to a Question on Notice today, Minister Robertson said despite the record performance Queensland Health was not resting on its laurels.

“We have seen unprecedented population growth resulting in unprecedented demand for services in our public hospitals,” Minister Robertson said.

“This is reflected in the Category three elective surgery waiting lists and Emergency Department attendances at some of our major tertiary referral hospitals.

Minister Robertson said Queensland Health was taking action to address demand in key hospitals, including opening new operating theatres, and performing extra surgical lists internally and externally through Surgery Connect.

“Surgery Connect is enabling our major hospitals to focus on urgent Category one and semi-urgent Category two patients,” he said.

As well as Surgery Connect, the Bligh Government is implementing innovative workforce and training initiatives; and providing record investment in major capital projects, including three new major tertiary hospitals, and doubling our hospital bed numbers through the More beds for hospitals program.

“In addition, as a result of Queensland’s regular reporting system and our commitment to planning for and managing growth means we are constantly benchmarking our performance.

“Emergency surgery will always take priority and Surgery Connect has successfully provided access to operations for a large number of patients who would otherwise still be waiting,” Minister Robertson said.

MEDIA: Kate Van Poelgeest on 0458 449 267