❓ Hon James Hayward questions the Minister for Health regarding the lack of distinction in COVID-19 hospitalisation statistics between patients hospitalised *with* COVID and *because of* COVID, and the potential impact on public confidence. The Minister's response cites data reporting limitations and patient privacy.
AnsweredQoN 398Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
CORONAVIRUS — HOSPITALISATIONS
398. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to COVID hospitalisation
statistics.
(1) Is the
minister aware of community concern about the lack of distinction between people
who are hospitalised with COVID or because of COVID?
(2) Why is it
not possible to provide more clarity to the community as to the underlying
primary cause of hospitalisation for those counted in the COVID hospitalisation
statistics?
(3) Is the
minister concerned that the lack of distinction between people hospitalised due
to COVID may undermine community confidence in the government's health
messaging?
(4) Does the
minister agree it would be beneficial to provide more detail in COVID
hospitalisation statistics; and, if not, why not?
398. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to COVID hospitalisation
statistics.
(1) Is the
minister aware of community concern about the lack of distinction between people
who are hospitalised with COVID or because of COVID?
(2) Why is it
not possible to provide more clarity to the community as to the underlying
primary cause of hospitalisation for those counted in the COVID hospitalisation
statistics?
(3) Is the
minister concerned that the lack of distinction between people hospitalised due
to COVID may undermine community confidence in the government's health
messaging?
(4) Does the
minister agree it would be beneficial to provide more detail in COVID
hospitalisation statistics; and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(4) The
Department of Health provides daily COVID-19 updates and more detailed updates
that include a breakdown of COVID-19 hospitalisations by age and vaccination
status more than once a week. It is not
possible to provide more timely information on the underlying principal
diagnosis or cause for admission as this can only be definitively
reported following discharge and review of clinical information. This approach
to and limitations with reporting of diagnostic information is consistent
across all jurisdictions. Further, it is not appropriate to provide detailed
clinical information that pertains to patients hospitalised with or from
COVID-19.
Department of Health provides daily COVID-19 updates and more detailed updates
that include a breakdown of COVID-19 hospitalisations by age and vaccination
status more than once a week. It is not
possible to provide more timely information on the underlying principal
diagnosis or cause for admission as this can only be definitively
reported following discharge and review of clinical information. This approach
to and limitations with reporting of diagnostic information is consistent
across all jurisdictions. Further, it is not appropriate to provide detailed
clinical information that pertains to patients hospitalised with or from
COVID-19.
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