Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has taken a stand on the increasing public health wait times in regional Victoria, raising the issue directly with Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, through a Question on Notice.
The local member has called on the Minister explain the reasons behind the increasing wait times for public surgeon consultations and surgery waiting times and also provide a timeline on when these wait times will improve.
As part of her appeal, Ms Benham cited the case of a constituent who has been waiting five months for an appointment with a general surgeon after receiving a positive result from a home bowel screening test. Despite being classified as a Category 1 patient by his general practitioner, indicating the need for urgent medical attention, has been informed that an appointment may not be available for another three months.
“These wait times are simply unacceptable. They are dangerous and putting lives at risk,” Ms Benham said.
“Regional Victorians are already significantly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing healthcare, and there must be urgent changes to the system to ensure timely medical attention for those who need it most.”
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/stethoscope-doctor-medicine-medical-1584222/
