Skinner fails at first hurdle - Government must explain inaccurate waiting time data
Back to NewsThe O’Farrell Government’s first attempt to improve health services has failed – with real time waiting lists for Emergency Departments displaying wildly inaccurate information to patients.
“The O’Farrell Government has stuffed up what should have been a simple measure to provide patients with up to date Emergency Department waiting times,” Shadow Health Minister, Dr Andrew McDonald said.
“We already know that most people who present at the Emergency Department do so because they have to – but if the Government is going to provide this service it must be accurate.
“The current lists are advising of 30 minute waiting times when patients are actually waiting four hours or advising there are no patients at certain hospital Emergency Departments.
“The Health Minister must explain why the data is so inaccurate.
“Real time waiting lists should be used to direct funding, staff and capital works to hospitals that need it most – not provide inaccurate information that doesn’t reflect the true needs of local hospitals.
“The Government must act immediately to fix this embarrassing stuff up – if the Health Minister can’t even deliver a website, how will she deliver new hospital beds and upgrades?
“It is completely unacceptable to provide inaccurate information to people who are ill and trying to find out what to do.
“The message I have for people is clear – if you think you might need to go to the Emergency Department play it safe and go.”