Revelations of delays to critical radiology scans at major hospitals
New Queensland Health data has revealed the critical failure of radiology services is not isolated as first claimed by the Palaszczuk Labor Government, but are instead widespread across the State.
Three months ago, Health Minister Shannon Fentiman claimed she was “not aware of a problem at any other hospital”, after shocking revelations of delays to reviews of x-rays and scans across the Gold Coast.
It has now been exposed four Health and Hospital Service regions have alarmingly high numbers of radiology scans not being reviewed by Radiologists within clinically-safe timeframes, including:
- 29% of scans aren’t being reviewed on-time at the Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service
- 32% of scans aren’t being reviewed on-time at Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service
- 11% of scans aren’t being reviewed on-time at the Sunshine Coast Health and Hospital Service
- 11% of scans aren’t being reviewed on-time at Mackay Health and Hospital Service
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said these critical health services had worsened on Minister Fenitman’s watch.
“Shannon Fentiman needs to front-up with answers on why and how these life-threatening failures have been allowed to occur.
“On her watch, more patients are waiting longer for critical results and delays could be fatal.
“Patients are caught in the middle of a cruel waiting game for results that could detect cancers or the source of chronic pain.
“This isn’t the fault of our hardworking doctors and nurses who are working double shifts to keep the health system on the rails.
“Under Labor, health is no longer a priority and Queenslanders are paying a high price for the Palaszczuk Government’s chaos and crisis.
“Only the LNP has the Right Priorities for Queensland’s Future, including easier access to health services.
“Our priority is to deliver a health system that will be reliable and able to help Queenslanders in their hour of need.
“All Queenslanders deserve a world class health system no matter where they live.”
SOURCE: Question on Notice