THE Queensland Health Crisis has reached dangerous new levels across the Wide Bay.
Disturbing figures show more patients are waiting longer for treatment in emergency departments in Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
In the June 2022 quarter, the number of patients not seen within the clinically recommended time at the Bundaberg Hospital ED hit 63%, an increase of 15% from the March 2022 quarter.
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said Bundaberg had the worst percentage for emergency department performance in Queensland.
“This is another blow for the people of Bundaberg,” Ms Bates said.
“All Queenslanders deserve a world-class health system no matter where they live.
“We now know 54 per cent of patients aren’t seen on time in Maryborough’s emergency department, and nearly half of all patients face the same prospect at Hervey Bay Hospital.
“These just aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet.
“This is your grandad with a broken hip or a child having an asthma attack.”
| Hospital | % Patients not seen on time | % Increase from March 2022 quarter |
| Bundaberg | 63% | +15% |
| Hervey Bay | 47% | 0 |
| Maryborough | 54% | +6% |
Ms Bates said the LNP had put solutions on the table, including more beds, extra resources, releasing data in real time and giving the power back to local decision makers who know their local communities.
“Bundaberg was promised a level five hospital before the last election, but those plans were axed after the 2020 election and they’re still waiting,” she said.
“The Labor Government can’t be trusted to fix the Queensland Health crisis.”
Ms Bates said as a registered nurse and former hospital administrator, she understood how stressful it was for her colleagues on the frontline.
“These dedicated men and women are working double shifts week-in-week-out,” she said.
“They deserve more respect and resources from the State Government.
“This third term State Government has given up on listening to Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders deserve better.”