Jillian Skinner med rel: NSW hospital performance leads the nation

Health Minister Jillian Skinner today welcomed a report which demonstrates NSW public hospitals are achieving record results for emergency department and elective surgery waiting times.

Mrs Skinner said the COAG Reform Council National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services Report for 2013 outlines the performance of all states against national elective surgery and emergency department targets.

“NSW achieved some of the best results in the country and as a result patients are receiving quality care quicker than ever,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The report also shows our hospitals aren’t resting on their laurels – they are building on their enhanced performance and continuing to improve wait times for patients in emergency and elective surgery.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government continues to increase the health budget to ensure public hospitals can care for more patients to meet demand.

“This record funding is paying off with more patients being treated in better timeframes than ever before meaning NSW is leading the way when it comes to meeting our benchmarks.”

The COAG Report states:

· Although no state or territory succeeded in reaching the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT), NSW achieved the highest percentage increase on previous performance;

· 70.8 per cent of NSW patients received treatment and were discharged from the emergency department or admitted to a ward within four hours – just shy of the 71 per cent goal for 2013;

· NSW elective surgery results were among the best in the country, with the state achieving 7 of its 9 National Elective Surgery Targets (NEST);

· NSW achieved its 2013 targets for treating semi-urgent and non-urgent patients within the clinically recommended time;

· NSW achieved its 2013 targets for reducing the days waited by overdue urgent and non-urgent patients.

Mrs Skinner said that although the National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospital Services will not continue after 2014, NSW remains committed to delivering world-class clinical care for patients.

“The NSW Government will continue its record investment in the NSW public health system,” Mrs Skinner said.

“The 2014/15 health budget provides a record $18.7 billion for health services – $300 million will provide for increased activity including 80,000 extra emergency department attendances, 40,000 extra patients treated in hospitals and 3,000 extra elective surgeries.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our clinicians to deliver their first-class care in first-class facilities.

“Our public hospitals are performing better than ever while treating more patients and we want this trend to continue.

“NSW patients are in very safe hands – this state has an incredibly dedicated workforce that strives to deliver the best modern health care for our communities,” Mrs Skinner said.