ACT surgery waiting times improve: report - ABC Online

Updated November 30, 2012 08:57:55

A new report has found there has been an improvement in elective surgery waiting times in Canberra.

Last year an ACT Auditor-General's report highlighted problems with the way elective surgery lists were being managed.

In response, the ACT Government agreed to provide the public with regular updates on how it is improving waiting times.

In its third progress report, the Auditor-General has found, as of June this year there was a six per cent drop in the number of people on the public hospitals elective surgery list.

Last year there were more than 450 people who waited longer than a year for surgery, as of June that figure was more than halved.

The Health Directorate is now working on developing an integrated waiting list for Canberra's two public hospitals.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says partnerships with private sector have improved access to elective surgery.

"While the overwhelming number of elective surgery procedures continue to be undertaken within our public hospitals, we have established partnerships with private providers in the ACT to also increase access to care," she said.

"The partnership provides particular support in those surgical areas where we have the largest number of long wait patients."

Topics: health-administration, healthcare-facilities, states-and-territories, canberra-2600, act

First posted November 30, 2012 08:47:52