AMA questions accuracy of our elective surgerywaitlist

THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has disputed the accuracy of the state government on elective surgerywaitlist data, claimingthe true numbers may be significantly worse than reported.

The AMA’s independent analysis also shows Victoria has the worst elective surgery backlog, with 135,000 Victorians waiting for surgery.

The figure represents astaggering 50,000 more than the state’s official figure of 85,000, and represents 44 per cent of the national backlog.

The AMAhas predicted Victoria’s elective surgery backlog will continue to worsen, rising to 203,045 patients.

Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, has expressed concerns about the AMA’sfindingsand the ongoing high levels of waitlists in Latrobe Valley and West Gippsland.

“Across the Valley and West Gippsland, we know that2092people werewaitingfor elective surgery at the end of 2022 financial year,” Ms Bath said.

“Despite the best efforts of our hardworking health care workers, Labor’s strategy is failing and people are languishing on unacceptably long elective surgery waitlists.”

In the AMA’s 2022 Public Hospital Report Card, president of AMA Dr Roderick McRae, stated “Victoria’s public hospitals are in crisis” and this status “pre-existed SARSCoV-2” -citinginsufficient investment in staffing and infrastructure.

Ms Bath said to put the elective surgery crisis in perspective, the AMA estimated the New South Waleswaitlist was60,000 lowerthan Victoria’s

“Over the lastyearthe elective surgery waitlists for Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) and West Gippsland Health Service (WGHS) has blown out by an additional 702 people,” she said.

“Instead of improving resources and supporting

Issue: Member forEasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath, says electivesurgerywaitlists in the Latrobe Valleyhavereachedcrisis levels our hospitals -the premier has attempted to hide his crisis by raising the acceptable performance benchmark for elective surgery waitlists.

“It’s an unacceptable situation for our communities and health care workers.

“Ourhospital workers are doing an admirable job underenormous pressure, but acomprehensive and well-funded plan is needed to reduce elective surgery waitlists locally.

“TheAndrews government must betterresource LRH and WGHS to ease the burden on our healthcare workers.

“My focus is on supporting locals to achieve improved health outcomes and get our hospitals the resources they need to address the elective surgery backlog.

“Anyonewantingtodiscuss theirpersonal concerns on elective surgery waitlists can contact my office during businesshours on 51747066 or email me on melina.bath@parliament.vic.gov.au”.

Fatal collision in Glengarry

MAJOR CollisionInvestigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding afatal collision in Glengarry on Tuesday.

Police were told three cars were involved in a collisionatthe intersection of Traralgon-Maffra Road and Farmers Road about 3.50pm.

The driver of one of the vehicles, a35-year-old Glengarry man, died at the scene.

His passenger, asix-year-old-boy, was airlifted to hospital in acriticalcondition.

A22-year-old Traralgon man, who was driving the secondvehicle, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

He is assisting police with their enquiries.

The four occupants of the third vehicle were not injured.

The exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stopperson1800333 000, or submit aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Missing horse float

IN the earlyafternoon of January 92023, an unknown person allegedly attended amachinery shed in Kilmany, taking home afabricated horse float.

The floatisdescribed as awhite angle float with green and silver stripes. ‘Rand’ is printed on the front above (pictured).

If you know anything about the theft ,contact