29 September 2023

Guy Barnett, Minister for Health,

Elective surgery wait list hits lowest level since 2018

Delivery of healthcare services in Tasmania continues to be high, with increased surgeries, record breast screening and more dental appointments occurring in August, driving down waiting lists across many areas.

During August 2023, the Tasmanian Health Service performed 1947 emergency and other surgeries, 106 more than August 2022.

Impressively, last financial year a record 21,364 elective surgeries were delivered and in the first two months of 2023-24, we have delivered 3789 elective surgeries.

As a result, the elective surgery waiting list is at its lowest level since 2018.

Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said these outstanding results are being driven by our hardworking health workforce and the Rockliff Liberal Government’s $196.4 million Statewide Elective Surgery Plan.

“There has also been a reduction in the outpatient waiting list, dropping more than 500 patients compared to July 2023,” Minister Barnett said.

“Our Government is investing in our hospitals, our health workforce and innovative solutions to ensure Tasmanians get the right healthcare, at the right place, in the right time.”

The latest Health Dashboard also highlights improvements in breast cancer screening with 3754 women screened in August 2023, compared to 3025 in July and 943 more than screened in June.

Dental health has also seen improvement, particularly for children with 5264 appointments delivered in August, 1070 more than July 2023.

The August Dashboard also highlights areas we need to continue to improve.

Unfortunately, patients didn’t attend their outpatient appointment on 3894 occasions in August 2023 - if you cannot make your appointment, please call to reschedule to ensure others can be seen sooner, reducing the waiting list and ensuring more Tasmanians can get healthcare sooner.

“We also know our emergency departments continue to face increased pressure, with 5866 Category 4 and 5 presentations across the state, which could potentially have been treated through other services,” Minister Barnett said.

There are a number of options available to Tasmanians who need healthcare but don’t require the emergency department, including:

• Attending one of our recently opened Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs), which provide treatment for those with an urgent, but not life-threatening, need for care. Now open at Launceston Medical Centre, 247 Wellington St, Launceston – from 2pm-8pm, seven days a week, and at Your Hobart Doctor, 71 Bathurst St, Hobart – from 4pm-10pm, seven days a week.
• Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to get expert health advice from a Registered Nurse 24/7. They can provide guidance on whether to manage your condition at home, speak with your GP or visit an emergency department.
• Contact COVID@homeplus on 1800 973 363 if you have COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses such as Influenza (flu) or flu-like illness.
• After hours GP services or speak with your pharmacy for advice and treatment on common ailments and illnesses, including coughs, colds, skin conditions, allergies and headaches. They can also provide advice on medicines and general healthcare.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters for Tasmanians by delivering the healthcare services they need,” Minister Barnett said.

For more information on the non-emergency health care options available in Tasmania, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/rightcare

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