28 February 2008
AMA Victoria has today renewed its calls for the Federal Government to commit to dollar for dollar funding of Victorian public hospitals, as the nation’s health ministers prepare to negotiate the next Australian Health Care Agreements (AHCAs) in Sydney tomorrow.
”The Federal Government is $715m behind its funding commitments to the state’s public hospitals and Victorians are suffering,” said AMA Victoria Vice President Dr Stephen Parnis.
“Hospital capacity problems have led to longer waiting lists, strains on nurses and doctors, and increased waiting in emergency departments.
“We desperately need increased funding to free-up space and resources – this should drive a new wave of hospital reform across Victoria.
“The scope of this reform will necessarily be dependant on how much the Federal Government is prepared to invest.”
Dr Parnis said for dollar funding could:
· Put an end to Victoria’s bed shortage;
· Further reduce elective surgery waiting lists;
· Provide much-needed hospital equipment upgrades;
· Improve training and research;
· Provide better patient facilities; and
· Establish links to GP clinics through acceleration of the hospital IT infrastructure project HealthSMART.
The current Australian Health Care Agreement expires on 30 June 2008. The five-year contracts are negotiated between the Commonwealth and the State/Territory Governments to provide funding for the public hospital systems.
“We need to put an end the blame game and ensure that both levels of Government are accountable to the community”.
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