HEALTH AROUND THE NATION

Of Queensland’s 26 hospitals examined, four major hospitals had six or more red lights. As of October 1, 2021, one in two patients with an urgent referral have waited longer than the recommended 30 days to see a neurosurgeon as an outpatient.

ACT

The ACT’s two hospitals received five and six red lights. Only 35% of Emergency Department Triage Category 3 (urgent) patients – for example patients who have severely high blood pressure – are seen within the recommended 30 minutes in 2020-21.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Four of NT’s hospitals have six or more red lights, with both Darwin hospitals examined receiving three red lights for elective surgery. In 2020-21, around one in three patients waited longer than the recommended 90 days for a Category 2 elective surgery, such as treatment of an unhealed fracture.

TASMANIA

Hospitals in Tasmania are most under pressure, with four major hospitals having six or more red lights. For Category 2 elective surgeries – such as treatment for a brain aneurysm – only 36 per cent of patients were admitted within the clinically recommended time of 90 days in 2020-21.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Seven major hospitals with five or more red lights. In 2020-21, around one in three patients waited longer than the recommended 90 days for a Category 2 elective surgery, such as a heart-valve replacement.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Six hospitals with five or more red lights even in a year with no substantial Covid outbreak. In 2020-21, around one in three patients waited longer than the recommended 90 days for a Category 2 elective surgery, such as a heart valve replacement