Federal Health Minister announces $15 million to shrink state’s record waiting lists

A Federal Government cash splash will allow more elective surgeries and endoscopies to be performed in Tasmanian public hospitals.

The Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: PATRICK GEE

FIFTEEN million dollars will be spent on improving Tasmania’s health system after it was revealed hospital elective surgery waiting lists have doubled in two years.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt last night revealed the Federal Government would immediately make available $15 million for more elective surgeries and endoscopies in Tasmanian public hospitals after surgery wait lists passed a record 10,000 patients for the first time.

One in every 50 Tasmanians is now waiting for an operation or procedure.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White revealed the blowout in State Parliament yesterday.

HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS HIT NEW HIGH

$100M FUND TO BOOST REGIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Mr Hunt said the Federal Government handout was part of a $20 million commitment, originally over four years, to support an estimated 6000 elective surgeries and endoscopies over this period, with $5 million currently being rolled out to support more than 2200 colonoscopies.

“This adds to an annual health budget of almost $2 billion this financial year alone — a budget that is 40 per cent higher than six years ago here in Tasmania,” Mr Hunt said.

“Our strong economic management means we can provide record investment in Medicare, public hospitals and medicines, delivering more doctors, more nurses and more services to Tasmanians.”

Premier Will Hodgman welcomed the funding, which he said would help ease demand.

“We are seeing pressure on waiting lists and waiting times, and we are committed to providing care to Tasmanians when they need it,” he said.

“These funds will help patients who have been waiting the longest, as well as children who have waited longer than clinically recommended.”

The type of surgeries and procedures will be determined in consultation with clinicians, and the final number will depend on the complexity of patients and procedures, with longer-waiting patients requiring more complex care.

There were 9426 patients on the state’s elective surgery waiting lists in August and 30,000 more waiting for appointments. The list was 5403 people in July 2017 and 7933 people in June last year.