Tasmanians are waiting longer for elective surgery

The latest data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Shadow Health Minister Rebecca White said the figures clearly show that Tasmanians are waiting longer to access elective surgery compared to the same time last year.

“Just 53 per cent of Tasmanians have been seen within nationally recommended timeframes for surgery, a significant decrease on the year prior,” Ms White said.

“The median wait time has increased across all categories from an average of 46 days to 76 days.

“This means people are now waiting nearly twice as long for their surgery compared to the same time the year prior.

“This is supported by a report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare two weeks ago showing the average wait time for elective surgery in Tasmania had increased by ten days in one year.

“The report states that Tasmania ranked worst in the country for elective surgery waiting times during 2014.

“These figures make a mockery of Michael Ferguson’s claim that he has fixed the health system.”
Rebecca White MP Shadow Minister for Health