THE Health Minister’s attempt to sugar-coat the number of Queenslanders stuck on the specialist waiting list is an insult to patients waiting desperately for medical attention.
In a Question on Notice submitted by the LNP Opposition, Queensland Health figures revealed the growing number of Queenslanders waiting to see a specialist, and nearly half are waiting longer than clinically recommended.
These are the facts:
• The waiting list to see a specialist has soared to 281,697 patients
• 118,093 patients are waiting longer than clinically recommended (41% down from 43%)
• 68% of Urologist patients are waiting longer than clinically recommended
• 59% of Gastroenterology patients are waiting longer than clinically recommended
• 57% of Ophthalmologist patients are waiting longer than clinically recommended
Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates said Shannon Fentiman’s grandstanding was a cop-out to the 281,000 Queenslanders desperately waiting to see a specialist.
“The Health Minister would rather cherry-pick figures to hide the truth of the health crisis, instead of helping Queenslanders get an appointment with a specialist on time,” Ms Bates said.
“Nearly 120,000 patients aren’t seeing a specialist on time and it’s clear the Health Minister can’t deliver the health solutions Queensland needs.
“This is exactly what Yvette D’Ath would do. Nothing has changed.
“Queenslanders are suffering because of the chaos and crisis that has engulfed the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“As a registered nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how frustrating it is for patients who are forced to wait years before seeing a specialist.
“Queensland is home to world renowned specialists and frontline medical staff, but they’re being let down by this tired third term Government.
“After eight years, three terms and four Health Ministers, the Palaszczuk Labor Government is no longer listening to Queenslanders.
“Photo-Op Fentiman is more interested in announcements and promo tours than delivering results.
“When the Health Minister can’t be upfront about the true state of the specialist waiting list, how can Queenslanders trust her to fix the health crisis?”