George Christensen says emergency departments are for non-emergencies despite the self-explanatory name.

Queensland’s public emergency departments, already seeing record numbers of patients, may face an influx of GP presentations following ill-informed advice from a federal MP and failed Nationals leader candidate.

In response to calls to lift the lift the Medicare rebate freeze, George Christensen MP said: “There is an option for people to present at the hospital emergency department to save costs” (Townsville Bulletin 26/02/2018).

Queensland Minister for Health Steven Miles labelled Mr Christensen’s comments as reckless, lazy and hypocritical.

“Mr Christensen is essentially condemning sick people to wait longer in our emergency departments and increase surgery wait times,” Mr Miles said.

“This bludger is willing to push his responsibilities onto the state government because he couldn’t be bothered to fix the real problem – under the Turnbull Government, GPs are no longer affordable and accessible for many Queenslanders.

Mr Miles said funding for GPs, bulkbilling and Medicare were all Federal Government responsibilities.

“We are seeing increasing pressure on our emergency departments because people have reduced access to a GP, thanks to the Federal Government’s decision to cap bulkbilling and reduce funding for primary health care,” Mr Miles said.

“Record numbers of people are visiting our emergency departments, including a growing number of people with GP-type injuries.

“Our emergency department doctors and nurses work tirelessly to make sure critically ill people are seen on time. They do a tremendous job of taking care of Queenslanders when we’re sick.

“But Mr Christensen wants to add to their workload.

“To add insult to injury, the Turnbull Government currently owes our hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars for services already delivered, as far back as 2014.

“If Mr Christensen is serious about this issue, if he's serious about sticking up for the health of Queenslanders, he should lobby his Canberra mates to pay the money they owe our hospitals.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she was very disappointed by Mr Christensen comments.

“Queensland’s emergency departments are for just that – emergencies,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The Federal Government still owes Mackay hospitals up to $29 million for services already delivered in Mackay.

“That translates to 9,000 fewer surgeries and other hospital services for people in the Mackay region.

“We’re working hard to pick up the slack and foot the bill, however if Canberra refuses to pay its fair share our hospitals and Mr Christensen continues to refer people to our emergency departments, people in Mackay will receive fewer treatments and waiting longer.”

Mr Miles said Mr Christensen has asked for proof that his governments Medicare cuts have led to less bulk billing doctors.

“The proof is pretty simple - before their cuts Mackay had bulk billing doctors, now they don’t,” Mr Miles said.

“I welcome his commitment to go to Greg Hunts office with this proof and demand the government changes its policy.

“While he’s there perhaps he could ask for the $29 million the federal government owes Mackay hospital.”

ENDS

Almost 360,000 presentations were categorised as GP-type in Queensland public hospitals between 1 July 2017 and 31 January 2018.

This means they should have been treated by GPs or pharmacists and not in the emergency department.

• More than 38,000 ED presentations were for a sprain or strain – almost 2,500 of those for a sprained finger.
• more than 1,800 prescription refills
• almost 1,500 requests for medical certificates
• More than 2,700 splinters
• 213 presentations for sunburn
• 12 presentations for a common cold.
• Almost 6,500 ED presentations for an ear infection
• Almost 4,000 ED presentations for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
• More than 3,300 ED presentations for tonsillitis
• More than 1,000 ED presentations for blisters
• More than 750 ED presentations for a nose bleed
• More than 370 ED presentations for a muscle cramp
• Almost 100 ED presentations for warts
• Almost 70 ED presentations for chlamydia
• Almost 40 ED presentations for gonorrhoea
• More than 30 ED presentations for an ingrown nail
• Three ED presentations for hiccups

Media contact - Amy Hunter - 0423 651 484