Opposition health spokeswoman Ros Bates slams Yvette D’Ath and Queensland Health over spike in elective surgery cancellations

A lack of beds and staffing shortages have seen a huge spike in elective surgery cancellation across the downs, with the Queensland Government slammed for ‘poor planning’.

A lack of available beds and staff has resulted in a massive 528 per cent spike in elective surgery cancellations in Darling Downs hospitals.

In a response to a Question on Notice put forward to state parliament last year, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed adult surgery cancellations had spiked since 2017.

Opposition Minister Ros Bates said the spike was culmination of eight years of poor planning by the State Government.

“This isn’t the fault of our hardworking doctors and nurses who are working to the brink of exhaustion,” she said.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates during a news conference at state parliament, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“As a registered nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how frustrating it is for patients to receive the devastating news that their much needed surgery has been cancelled due to a lack of beds.

“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet, these are Queenslanders desperate for a cataracts or knee surgery.

“The Queensland Health crisis is real and it’s affecting more Queenslanders every day.”

A Darling Downs Health spokeswoman said the management of Covid-19 positive patients and workforce shortages had impacted the cancellation of elective surgeries in recent years.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath. Picture Glenn Hampson

However, the largest spike in cancellations occurred in 2018, with almost 50 surgeries cancelled, compared to the previous years’ seven.

Since 2018, an average of 43 surgeries are cancelled annually in the Darling Downs.

“Available beds must be in a suitable place for admitted patient care, and also have the appropriate staff either immediately available or available within 24 hours, to safely and appropriately care for patients who may occupy them,” the spokeswoman said.

“As staff availability plays a significant role in the available bed count, staff furloughing at the time the data was captured must also be considered.”

The $1.3 billion Toowoomba Hospital set to open in 2027 will see an increase in bed capacity and additional staff and specialist services.