Department of Health officials have today admitted they are unaware of the number of Victorians removed from public elective surgery waiting lists after they have died while waiting in pain.
With an unenviable record of close to 90,000 Victorians currently waiting for vital surgery, reports of people dying whilst waiting for surgery has grown.
Under questioning during the Public Accounts and Estimates (PAEC) hearings this morning, Health Department Secretary Professor, Euan Wallace, confirmed that the Government doesn’t maintain the records for removal due to death.
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said with record numbers waiting for vital surgery, proper reporting processes are required to recover and rebuild our health system.
“Victorians have sadly died in pain whilst waiting for surgery and in an added insult to families, their deaths are not recorded meaning the full extent of Victoria’s health crisis is unknown.”
“Victoria’s health system will never recover and rebuild if the man who got us into this mess remains at the helm.”
