SHOCKING new health statistics have revealed the heartbreaking reality of the Queensland Health Crisis for Rockhampton patients stuck on the elective surgery waitlist and not seen within the clinically recommended time.

The Queensland Health data found 50% of all patients on the elective surgery waitlist at Rockhampton Hospital weren’t seen on time.

That’s the highest percentage of any Queensland hospital, and increased by 15% in the December quarter.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said it’s unacceptable that half of all patients on the surgical waitlist at Rockhampton Hospital aren’t seen within the clinically recommended timeframe.

​“Not only is Rockhampton the epicentre for ambulance ramping in regional Queensland but also elective surgery performance,” Ms Bates said.

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

“Health Minister Shannon Fentiman promised Queenslanders the health system would improve but after all the announcements and promises, the elective surgery waitlists have reached frightening new levels.

“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know this isn’t the fault of our dedicated frontline staff.

“Our doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health professionals are doing an extraordinary job keeping the health system on the rails.

“Queensland’s Health Crisis is getting worse under Labor and now Queenslanders know nothing will change until we change the Government at the October election.

“Only the LNP has the right priorities for Queensland’s future and that includes easier access to health services. We’ve also put solutions on the table to heal the Queensland Health Crisis including better resources, better triaging, sharing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.

LNP Candidate for Keppel Nigel Hutton said Central Queenslanders deserve better.

“Until we change the government, the Queensland Health crisis won’t improve,” Mr Hutton said.

LNP Candidate for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the health crisis only gets worse because the Palaszczuk-Miles Government is in chaos and crisis.