Ms. Mettam questions the increase in elective surgery waitlist cases at Busselton Hospital and whether transfers from other hospitals, like Bunbury, are contributing. The Minister responds that increased capacity and patient needs drive transfers, and wait times haven't been affected.

AnsweredQoN 4943Legislative Assembly
Asked
21 March 2019
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to data published
for Busselton Hospital in February 2019 regarding the number of elective surgery
cases on the wait list as at the end of the month, and ask: (a) What are the reasons for an increase at Busselton Hospital from 394 cases in January 2018 to 481 cases in January 2019; and (b) Is the increase in (a) related to elective surgery cases being transferred to Busselton Hospital from other hospitals such as Bunbury Hospital: (i) If yes to (b), why were these cases transferred; and (ii) If yes to (b), does this transfer increase the wait times for existing patients already on the wait list for elective surgery at Busselton Hospital?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
7 May 2019
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
7 days
I am advised:
(a) WA Country Health Service South West patients are allocated to a facility wait list after the surgeon determines which site is appropriate for the person to be booked for their surgery. Busselton commenced joint surgery in April 2018 with additional theatre time opened up.
(b) Yes, for joint surgery specifically.
(i) Any transfer of patients between facility waitlists takes into account the timeliness and type of services available (including new services), and the clinical needs of the patient concerned.
(ii) No, this has not affected wait times.

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