MEDIA
RELEASE
PATIENTS NEED TO BE ALERT AND ALARMED
“The Howard Government’s mishandling of the indemnity crisis is symptomatic of its complete mishandling of the health system over seven years” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society. “Patients need to be alert and alarmed.”
“Even when a deal is struck that appeases and quietens the doctors, public hospital services will be further limited because not all doctors will return to those hospitals and patients will just have to wait longer,” said Dr Woodruff.
“This Government is responsible for the problems in public hospitals”, said Dr Woodruff. “It’s inadequate handling of Aged Care means many patients in public hospitals are waiting for nursing homes. That contributes to waiting lists in these hospitals. It’s careful neglect of general practice and the decline in bulk billing has led to increased attendances at public hospital emergency departments, and often to admissions for problems which could have been treated cheaper and better if seen earlier by a GP. This contributes to waiting lists in public hospitals. Long waiting lists are a frustration to the doctors and nurses who want to treat patients well, when they need it, not after they have suffered for 2 years. Morale drops, and then doctors are given an extra kick in the wallet with medical indemnity. It should come as no surprise that doctors don’t believe the Government wants to fix the problem.”
Meanwhile, as patients who depend on public hospitals increasingly miss out, the Government commits itself to maintaining and increasing its strong taxpayer support for the minority of Australians who have private health insurance,” said Dr Woodruff. “Less money for public hospitals, and more doctors and nurses moving from the public to the private sector.”
“John Howard’s commitment to a US style so called safety net public system is apparent,” said Dr Woodruff. “His total lack of commitment to timely access to quality health care for all Australians is also apparent. Be alert and alarmed.
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Dr Tim Woodruff President Doctors Reform Society
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Dr Con Costa Vice President
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Dr Peter Davoren Vice President
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For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours
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