AMA (NSW): More rural-based medical trainees good for rural and regional communities
March 17, 2015Coalition chemotherapy pledge welcome
March 23, 2015AMA (NSW) President, Dr Saxon Smith, says the Coalition pledging money for extra hospital staff is good news for a stressed health system.
“Resources in NSW hospitals are under strain and the additional funding for more staff that the Coalition has pledged is very welcome news.
“More people are needed on the frontlines – doctors, nurses, allied health, paramedics and support staff.
“It’s good to see the Coalition pledge to boost those numbers.
“In particular, the expansion of the rural generalist program and new rural-based medical training positions are very good,” Dr Smith said.
“Throughout the election campaign, I’ve been saying that the infrastructure spend announcements are good but recurrent spending for staff is what will improve hospital capacity.
“Improving hospital capacity will help improve hospital performance, including that of emergency departments,” Dr Smith said.
“The additional funding for 320,000 emergency presentations, extra elective surgeries, and inpatient admissions is also welcome.
“However, it also proves why the Federal Government needs to come to the table and work out a plan with the states for health funding.
“For example, between 2011 and 2014, the number of presentations at NSW emergency departments jumped by more than 320,000, according to Bureau of Health Information data.
“The past few years have seen significant increases in the number of patients presenting at NSW emergency departments.
“Based on recent history, funding for 320,000 additional presentations at emergency departments over the next four years will probably fall short,” Dr Smith said.
Media contact: Lachlan Jones (02) 9902 8113 / 0419 402 955