THE backlog of patients desperate to see a specialist on the Gold Coast has reached alarming levels, as pressure mounts on the Health Minister to urgently fix the growing waitlist.

The latest health figures have revealed 40,534 patients in the Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service (HHS) are waiting to see a specialist.

More concerningly, 22,530 of those patients aren’t seen within the clinically recommended time due to the chaos and crisis of the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

That means 56% of locals waiting for their appointment are waiting longer than they should.

Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said Queenslanders have lost faith in the Palaszczuk Labor Government to fix the Queensland Health Crisis.

“Gold Coast locals are suffering because of the chaos and crisis that has engulfed the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Ms Bates said.

“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-class doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals, but they’re being let down by this tired, third term Government.

“Photo-op Fentiman is more interested in announcements than delivering results.

“These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. These are Queenslanders.

“Mums, dads, grandparents, kids and loved ones who need medical attention.

“The LNP has put health solutions on the table to heal the Queensland Health Crisis including more resources, better triaging, releasing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.

“After eight years, three terms and four Health Ministers, the Palaszczuk Labor Government is no longer listening to Queenslanders.”