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AMA Victoria supports bonuses for cutting waiting lists
25 September 2007
The Australian Medical Association Victoria supports the federal government’s initiative to pay state government bonuses for reduced public hospital waiting lists.
AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis said this is much-needed funding as waiting lists for elective surgery remain a problem.
“Victorians are waiting too long for elective surgery or having surgery cancelled at the last minute.
“Almost 5 per cent of Victorian patients on lists for elective surgery are waiting more than one year. That is unacceptable.
Dr Travis warns that sensible targets need to be set to ensure best patient care is the top priority.
“This should not be an opportunity for hospital administrators to manipulate data or affect patient care in search of a few extra dollars; it should be a genuine attempt to reduce patients’ discomfort and improve care.
Dr Travis said while bonuses for reducing waiting lists are welcomed, more beds and resources are needed to accommodate the increased demand of Victoria’s public hospitals.
“Increased funding is needed, not only for more beds, but also for hospital requirements that accompany these beds: equipment, infrastructure and more doctors, nurses and support staff.
“Waiting list bonuses — while welcome — are not an alternative to higher funding levels required through the next round of Australian Health Care Agreements and could actually be part of the AHCA.
“It’s also important that funding is awarded to the hospitals that make a real improvement in lowering waiting lists and does not get lost in the State Government’s coffers”.
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