Nothing special about the waiting

THE Queensland government has blamed the doctor shortage for a huge blowout in the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended to see a specialist.

A staggering 272,328 Queenslanders are languishing on the state’s specialist outpatient waiting list, up from 267,242 in the last quarter.

Shockingly, 59 per cent of Queenslanders who need to see a gastroenterologist are waiting longer than is medically preferred, delaying lifesaving colonoscopies.

Specialist appointments are delayed across all areas, with geriatrics showing a 20 per cent spike in patients waiting, compared with last year. It has become increasingly difficult to see eye doctors, kidney specialists and cardiologists.

Queensland Health is blaming the backlog on workforce challenges, the ageing population and Queenslanders pulling out of privatehealth cover.

“Covid-19 also impacted healthcare in Queensland, particularly in 2022, where planned services were suspended as a resultof patients or staff becoming infected,” a spokesman said.

“More patients are visiting public hospitals than ever before and our Hospital and Health Services (HHS) continue to prioritise clinicallysafe care for patients who require treatment.

“Like health systems across the world, Queensland has been impacted by a shortage of key medical specialists, an issue that has further affected planned care this year,” he said.

Australian Medical Association Queensland chief Maria Boulton said the numbers were shocking.

“We know that for every person waiting for elective surgery, there are many more waiting for their first appointment with a specialist to even get on the elective surgery waiting list.”