published letters

Published in Herald Sun on Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Editor

Whatever happened to patients? They are faced with increasing out of pocket costs if they are fortunate enough to find a doctor, Then they have to negotiate a maze of systems to get tests, allied health , specialist assessment and surgery if needed, all funded in different ways, all charging differently. These are the problems which the new health deal ignores or to which minimal attention is given. A few bandaids are suggested like better after hours service. In hours service for the most needy in our community is unchanged.

The new funding arrangement for hospitals is a political deal which will not deliver any noticeable benefit to patients. The Commonwealth has refused to return to a real50/50 funding split with the States. Its tough performance markers are a joke with waiting times to just get on waiting lists ignored. It continues to support the growth of private hospitals with yearly increases but tells public hospitals they will have to wait for 3 years before there are extra funds for the majority of Australians who depend on public hospitals.

This is a political fix with some small incremental benefits for patients. It is not reform. The most needy will continue to receive the least care.

Dr Tim Woodruff
Vice President
Doctors Reform Society

31 Davison St
Richmond
3121

PH 0401042619