Released 13/09/2019
Performance data released today shows a lift in performance across the health system, with record numbers of Canberrans using Walk-in Centres and accessing elective surgery.
The latest Quarterly Performance Report for 2018-19, which covers the period of April to June 2019, shows an increase in presentations to Walk-in Centres with a record 16,900 for the quarter.
The report also shows 3,722 elective surgeries performed in the quarter, contributing to a record 14,015 procedures performed in 2018-19 overall.
Walk-in Centres
The latest Quarterly Performance Report shows Walk-in Centre presentations up 8% or 1,221 more than the previous quarter and 39% or 6,646 more than the same quarter of 2017-18.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said this clearly signals that Walk-in Centres are offering the type of health care people in our community want and need.
"We know our Walk-in Centres are loved by Canberrans, this data shows that they are more popular than ever," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"The ACT Government is committed to ensuring Canberrans have access to free and convenient health care in their local communities. We're expanding the Walk-in Centre network so even more Canberrans can access quality treatment. The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre will open later this year and the new Inner North Walk-in Centre in late 2020."
One of the major drivers for the increase in presentations has been the establishment of the Gungahlin Walk-in Centre, which recently marked its one-year anniversary. However, over the past 12 months the Walk-in Centres in Tuggeranong and Belconnen have also seen a 16.1 per cent and 6.1 per cent increase in presentations respectively.
"Our Walk-in Centres are a great option for Canberrans who require medical attention for minor injuries and illnesses. They are staffed with experienced, knowledgeable nurses and nurse practitioners who are there to help every day of the year," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Elective surgery
The Quarterly Performance Report shows an increase in elective surgery activity for the quarter – contributing to a record number of procedures performed in 2018-19 overall.
The report shows 3,722 surgeries were performed, up by 18% or 568 more than the previous quarter.
"Our target for elective surgery procedures in 2018-19 was 14,000. I am pleased to say this has been achieved with 14,015 performed – a record for the ACT and 675 more than 2017-18," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"It is the efforts of our clinical teams across the last quarter that has contributed greatly to this major achievement. Thank you to all our health staff who have worked incredibly hard to achieve this result."
Minister Stephen-Smith said despite an increased number of people added to the waitlist in last quarter, the strong performance of Canberra’s elective services teams actually drove waitlist numbers down, which combined with meeting the 14,000 target is a major achievement despite strong demands placed on services.
"Wait times for some of our frontline health services, such as our emergency departments and for elective surgery continue to be a challenge, as they are for all jurisdictions.
"The Territory wide surgical services team is developing a more patient centred approach to overdue patients, in line with the Canberra Health Services timely care strategy. The team is also partnering with private facilities and Southern NSW to meet current strong demand."
"We are continuing to invest in our Emergency Departments by funding additional doctors at the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department and the expansion of Calvary's Emergency Department."
"Across our health system, staff work incredibly hard every day to ensure Canberrans receive the best possible health care. We’ll continue to invest in our health services, infrastructure and staff to deliver better health care, when and where Canberrans need it."
To view the latest Quarterly Performance Report, visit: https://www.health.act.gov.au/about-our-health-system/data-and-publications/reports/act-public-health-services-quarterly
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases
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