Despite a decrease in the overall elective surgery waitlist, new data from the Victorian Agency for Health Information has shown significant increases in the Category 1 waitlist, those in most urgent need of surgery.
Reporting shows the state-wide Category 1 waitlist has increased by over 45 per cent in just three months. Over the same period, the Category 1 waitlist at Bendigo Hospital increased by 100 individuals, an increase of 147 per cent.
The Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the Andrews Labor Government was failing regional Victorians.
“This data is a shocking indictment on the Andrew’s Governments management of the health system,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Every single person on these waiting lists has a story to tell about deferred care and unnecessary time waiting in agony for life-changing surgery.
“Over the past 12 months the most urgent surgery waitlist has grown by 64 per cent. There is simply no excuse for this.
“Last year we saw $2 billion cut from the health budget, and with more cuts expected to preventative health this year, this is a clear indication this government does not prioritise our health.”
Alongside increasing urgent surgery waitlists, the average overdue waiting time for category 2 and 3 surgeries has blown out by 37 and 35 per cent over the past 12 months respectively.
“Under this government, the average overdue wait time for a surgery that should be completed within three months is an incredible seven months,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The strategy to cut funding from preventative healthcare while allowing surgery to continue being deferred is a double kick in the guts to Victorians.
“Regional Victorians continue to suffer at the hands of this government and their complete failure to manage our health system.
“Victorians deserve better than spin and bluster – we need real outcomes to improve the health of our community.”
