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 |