Surgery Connect is Easing Elective Surgery Waiting Lists in Public Hospitals

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Queenslanders are receiving their surgery sooner thanks to the continued success of Queensland Health’s surgery connect program.

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the program is helping elective surgery patients who are waiting longer than is clinically recommended to receive their surgery sooner,” Mr Springborg said.

“In 2012-13 alone, this program supported more than 3,800 procedures. “From 2012-13, an extra 8,000 procedures will be provided over four years, through public-private partnerships at a total cost of $55 million. “It means 2,000 extra surgical procedures a year and will reduce pressure on elective surgery waiting lists in public hospitals.”

Mr Springborg said surgical specialties in high demand included orthopaedics, urology, endoscopy and ophthalmology.

“That’s why Surgery Connect continues to target these areas,” he said.

“This strategy is dedicated to treating those patients waiting longest.”

Queensland facilities experiencing highest demand included:

• Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

• Princess Alexandra Hospital

• Ipswich Hospital

• The Cairns Hospital

• The Townsville Hospital

Mr Springbord said service contracts with private hospital providers have been renewed and new outsourcing opportunities are available in more than 45 private hospitals state-wide.