Shepparton patients continue to wait under Daniel Andrews

Shadow Minister for Health, Mary Wooldridge

New health performance data reveals that patients in Shepparton are waiting longer to be transferred to the emergency department and on elective surgery waiting lists since Daniel Andrews came to Government.
Emergency Department
Patients are waiting longer to be transferred from an ambulance to the emergency department upon arrival at Shepparton Hospital, with just 75% of patients being transferred within 40 minutes – 6.5% fewer patients than when Daniel Andrews first came into government.
Elective Surgery
The number of patients on the elective surgery waiting list has grown by 13% under Daniel Andrews’ leadership – blowing out to 754 patients.
In addition, the number of patients being admitted for surgery within the clinically recommended timeframe has deteriorated since December 2014.
Specialist Wait Clinics
Patients being referred to specialists can wait almost three years for a consultation, with wait times for some Shepparton patients over:
• 1,042 days for Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal
• 758 days for Ear, Nose and Throat
• 513 days for Urology
• 405 days for General Surgery
• 288 days for Gastroenterology
• 127 days for Nephrology/Kidneys

Comments from Shadow Minister for Health Mary Wooldridge:
“Before the election Daniel Andrews claimed the health system was in crisis and that he would fix it, but the reality is quite the opposite.”
“In Shepparton patients are waiting longer for treatment in the emergency department and for their elective surgery since Daniel Andrews became Premier.”
“Daniel Andrews waited until 2016 to fund urgent capital works at Shepparton Hospital and the effects are being felt by patients in the emergency department and on the growing elective surgery waiting list.”
“Daniel Andrews is breaking promises and neglecting the health needs of families in Shepparton.”

Media contact: James Duncan    0457 758 018           james.duncan@opposition.vic.gov.au