Patients give Queensland public hospitals vote of confidence

Queensland’s public hospitals have been given a vote of confidence by patients in the latest Quarterly Public Hospitals Performance Report.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson said the June 2008 Quarterly Public Hospitals Performance Report showed 92 per cent of patients were satisfied overall with their medical treatment.

“These latest figures show that the overwhelming majority of patients treated in Queensland’s public hospitals in 2007/2008 were satisfied with the treatment they received,” he said.

“This high level of satisfaction with our public hospitals comes at a time when we’re treating a record number of patients.

“But we not resting on our laurels, because as Queensland’s population continues to grow, so does the demand for health services.

“That’s why we earmarked an extra $680 million in the State Budget to target pressure points in Queensland public hospitals.

“Emergency departments, surgery theatres, maternity and oral health services will all be able to provide patients with enhanced services thanks to these extra funds.”

Queensland Health conducted a Medical Patient Satisfaction Survey of 15,000 patients across its facilities during 2007/2008.

The survey found 92 per cent of patients were “very satisfied” or “fairly satisfied” with the care they received overall during their hospital stay.

Mr Robertson said the Bligh Government’s $10 billion Health Action Plan would deliver Queensland three new tertiary hospitals in a further boost to patient capacity.

“This means there will be three major new hospitals in Queensland – the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, and tertiary hospitals on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

“That’s in addition to the preventative health strategies we have in place to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and our investment in surgical capacity to cut surgery waiting lists.”

Mr Robertson said each hospital’s patient satisfaction rates would be used to plan service improvements and develop hospital Action Plans.

MEDIA: Martin Philip 3225 2680 or 0407 675 008