Government cooperation needed to improve public hospital performance
The Federal AMA welcomes the first report from the National Health Performance Authority (NHPA) on performance against the four-hour target for emergency departments.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the report provides valuable data that should act as a catalyst for governments to work cooperatively to improve public hospital performance in all States and Territories.
“It is time for cooperation, not blame,” Dr Hambleton said.
“There are many reasons for the variance in performance across the States and Territories, but a united focus on a small number of key priority areas will help lift hospital performance across the board.
“Whole-of-hospital reform is needed, not just emergency departments.
“Frontline doctors must be more involved in hospital decision-making.
“Overall hospital capacity must be increased.
“And we need more hospital beds.
“These are themes that the AMA has been promoting for many years.
“The NHPA report confirms and highlights where the problems are.
“It is time for our governments to work together on the solutions,” Dr Hambleton said.
14 December 2012
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
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