According to the Australian Medical Association's Public Hospital Report Card, Australians are currently facing the longest wait times for elective surgeries ever recorded. The median wait time for planned surgery has increased to 49 days, almost double the 27-day wait time seen in 2003. This rise in wait times is concerning as it not only impacts patients' access to timely treatment but also highlights the strain on the healthcare system.
In addition to the prolonged wait times for planned surgeries, the report also sheds light on the discrepancy between the growing population and the availability of hospital beds. Over the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22, while 1,220 new public hospital beds were added, the Australian population grew by over one million people. This disparity has resulted in a decrease in public hospital capacity from 2.53 beds per 1,000 people to 2.47 beds per 1,000 people, underscoring the need for increased infrastructure to meet the healthcare demands of the growing population.
Moreover, the report highlights the challenges faced by emergency departments, where less urgent Category 4 and 5 cases are experiencing longer wait times. While the most urgent Category 1 cases are still being seen within recommended time frames, there is a growing backlog for less critical cases. Despite a rise in funding for public hospitals, reaching $105.8 billion by the federal government in the 2020-21 period, the need for additional investment and reforms is apparent to address the current healthcare challenges.
In response to the findings, the President of the AMA, Professor Steve Robson, emphasized the urgency for action to tackle the growing backlog of planned surgeries. Although the recent increase in funding was a positive step, more investment and collaboration among health ministers are required to address the current issues. The AMA is calling for immediate action to address the situation, urging federal and state governments to invest $4.12 billion in a national plan until the new funding agreement comes into effect in 2025.