Qld Health to be ‘transparent’ about how data is made public or kept private

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has declared the government is “extremely transparent” with health performance data despite directing Queensland Health to reassess information published online.

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman tours the new Caboolture Satellite Hospital, Caboolture. Picture: Liam Kidston

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Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has declared the government is “extremely transparent” with health performance data despite directing Queensland Health to reassess information published online.

The Courier-Mail reported on Wednesday the newly minted minister had asked the department to consider new protocols relating to data shared with Queenslanders reporting the surges in hospital capacity.

Ms Fentiman said the state government regularly releases more than 120 categories of data to the public, which she says is critical to communicate the pressures placed on emergency departments and the ambulance service.

“We are incredibly transparent around Queenslanders knowing just how much work our hard working doctors, nurses and staff are putting in to running our health and hospital system,” she told reporters.

“There have been some questions raised about tier 3 data which is internal data that we use at a point in time to manage patient flow across the system.

“I’m very happy to work with Queensland Health to look at whether or not we can add that data to our regular reporting of data.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has declared the government is “extremely transparent” with health performance data. Picture: Liam Kidston

Ms Fentiman made the assurance at the nearly completed Caboolture Satellite Hospital as the Health Minister continues her media blitz since taking on the troubled portfolio.

The Moreton Bay facility is expected to open in August to service 600 outpatient appointments along with nearly 500 walk-in patients as Ms Fentiman flagged a campaign to better communicate the government’s infamous satellite hospital scheme.

“There will be a very extensive communication campaign for families about where they can go and the sorts of services that are available at these satellite hospitals instead of having to go to the emergency department,” she said.

“It’s a really practical solution for families to avoid having to go to the emergency department particularly outside of hours when they may have been able to see their GP.”