Labor has obtained leaked figures from within the Department of Health which reveal shocking record waiting lists for elective surgery in Tasmania.
At the end of October, there were 10,837 people waiting for surgery – the highest on record.
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Lovell, said the appalling figures reveal the Government’s savage cuts to healthcare were having a devastating impact.
“Patients are now feeling the painful consequences of Will Hodgman’s heartless decision to cut elective surgery activity by 15 per cent,” Ms Lovell said.
“Patients like Geoff from Barrington, who spoke on radio about the fact his hand will have to be amputated because he has waited too long for the surgery that could have saved his hand.
“Waiting lists are spiralling out of control and people are suffering in pain. Some are at risk of dying.
“The situation is only going to get worse as the Government cuts the health budget further.
“It’s clear the Government hasn’t done any modelling on how many thousands of Tasmanians will be waiting for surgery by the time the Government has finished its $450 million cuts.
“The Government has no plan to address the crisis facing the health and hospital system and doesn’t care about the 10,837 people who are languishing in pain on the surgery waiting list.”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
