Some of Queensland’s biggest emergency departments broke historical records for recorded activity during the June 2022 quarter, according to the latest Queensland Health performance data.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath said Queensland public hospitals were continuing to deliver high-quality patient care, despite an ongoing pandemic and more than 4000 health workers being on sick leave.
“The June 2022 quarter has been heavily impacted by the fallout of two Omicron waves and the start of the worst influenza season the state has experienced in several years,” Ms D’Ath said.
“The multiple Omicron surges since the start of this year have challenged our hospitals and emergency departments like never before.
“Since May, the number of Queensland Health workers on sick leave from Covid and other illnesses has averaged at more than 4000.
“Despite this toll on our health workforce, hardworking staff in our busiest hospitals rose to the challenge in the June quarter.
“Even with a significant increase in the most urgent Category 1 presentations during this period, 100 per cent of these patients seen on time.
“The median wait time for the 575,578 people who attended our emergency departments was 17 minutes.
“Some emergency departments were particularly busy, with Cairns Hospital experiencing its busiest day ever in early May, and its second busiest day a fortnight later.
“Logan Hospital saw its second highest number of presentations ever and the Prince Charles Hospital saw a 31.4 per cent increase in the number of Category 1 presentations to its emergency department.
“I want to thank all our healthcare workers for their exceptional work in the face of the unprecedented demand we’re seeing in our hospitals.”
Ms D’Ath said Queensland recorded an almost 40 per cent increase in elective surgery activity in the June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
“To complete 32,362 surgeries in a quarter so heavily impacted by Covid and flu is an outstanding effort,” she said.
“Our elective surgery performance in the June quarter demonstrates that the measures we have in place in our hospitals are working.”
Ms D’Ath said the Queensland Government was investing a record $23.6 billion in health and ambulance services in 2022-23, backed by a further $9.78 billion over six years to build new and expanded hospitals which would create an extra 2509 beds.
“Health systems in every jurisdiction are being challenged by the pandemic, historic Commonwealth underfunding and primary health and Medicare failures,” Ms D’Ath said.
“There are still more than 500 Queensland public hospital beds being occupied by long stay aged and disability care patients who would be better placed on other care settings.
“The key to tackling these challenges lies in more investment, which is what the Palaszczuk Government is delivering, along with more sustainable health funding from the Commonwealth which is what all the states and territories are seeking.”
