IT’S the hidden cost of the Queensland Health Crisis that’s affecting thousands of locals across the Wide Bay.

The specialist outpatient appointments, or more commonly known as the waiting list for the waiting list, is taking a huge toll on local patients.

The latest Queensland Health figures show 3863 patients are on the waiting list for the waiting list to see a specialist at Hervey Bay Hospital and 3494 at Bundaberg Hospital.

Maryborough Hospital has 1319 on their waiting list for the waiting list.

The percentage of seen within the recommended time is also growing for those three hospitals.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said the backlog is distressing for the thousands of patients desperate to see a specialist.

“These are your grand parents and parents who need to see a specialist to improve their quality of life,” Ms Bates said.

“Queensland Health is in crisis and this is another sad and sorry chapter.

“The State Government has been in power for seven years. What have they done to clear this backlog?”

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said all Queenslanders deserve a world class health system, no matter where they live.

“How many more people will be added to the waiting list for the waiting list, before the State Government takes action to improve regional healthcare.

“The State Government promised the people of Bundaberg a level five hospital, but those plans were quickly dumped after their election win.

“In Bundaberg, 22% of the patients on the waiting list for the waiting list aren’t seen within the recommended time.

“It’s completely unacceptable.”

Specialist Outpatient Appointments (Waiting List for the Waiting List): March Quarter 2022 – Worst to Best

Hospital Waiting List  

% NOT seen in Recommended Time

 

Increase in waiting list from DEC QTR 2022
Robina 2,465 46 NIL
Logan 16,376 45.8 183
PA 20,322 44.9 NIL
QCH 13,209 44.9 403
Ipswich 9,603 42.8 100
Cairns 16,618 42.1 1,326
GCUH 37,740 41.5 2,651
Mt Isa 1,353 38.8 69
Redland 3,612 36.4 17
Nambour 490 35 233
Caboolture 3,913 32.6 393
Mackay 9,137 32.6 1,124
Rockhampton 9,410 32.2 172
RBWH 23,562 29.3 2,829
QEII 6,315 29 NIL
Redcliffe 6,891 27.5 767
SCUH 17,556 27.1 1,479
Gympie 835 25.4 NIL
Townsville 14,792 23.7 1,325
Bundaberg 3,494 22 26
Hervey Bay 3,863 19.8 384
The Prince Charles Hospital 7,330 18.5 730
Maryborough 1,319 16 107
Toowoomba 10,206 16 453
Mater Adult Public Hospital 9,098 7.9 1,107
Gladstone 1,150 3.8 122
State-wide 259,884 35.8 15,446