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Wednesday, 25 May 2022
Sharp increase in 'missing episodes' adds to elective surgery pain
A sharp increase in 'missing' episodes of care in Australia's private hospitals in the first quarter of 2022 spells longer
waits for essential elective surgery.
The latest data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) suggests that since the start of the
pandemic more than 390,000 anticipated admissions expected in private hospitals, did not occur. Over 100,000 of
these "missing episodes' were added in the first three months of 2022 alone, further increasing elective surgery wait
times.
This means all the gains made in 2021 in terms of elective surgery catch up have been wiped out and surgical waiting
lists are longer than they have ever been.
Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) CEO Michael Roff said every state had elective surgery restrictions in
place over this quarter contributing further to already extensive backlogs.
"The Omicron wave resulted in surgery restrictions being imposed right around the country in the first quarter of
2022 and these figures show the devastating impact of that action," he said.
In addition, although the number of private patients treated in public hospital has fallen, the proportion remains the
same with public hospitals undertaking 15 percent of privately insured episodes.
"This means public hospitals have not prioritised clearing the backlog of public patients on ever growing waiting lists
who need their care most, but are continuing to chase private health insurance revenue at the expense of public
patients.
"This will weigh heavily on patients who are left waiting for non-urgent, but necessary surgery."
The number of Australians taking up hospital cover continues to increase, with an additional 225,858 joining in the
last 12 months.
"While it is encouraging to see Australians recognising the value of private hospitals in providing them high-quality
care when they need it, the health workforce crisis will make it challenging to deliver all the elective surgery needed
in the coming year," Mr Roff said.
"In addition to increased staff absenteeism due to COVID, private hospitals have told us they currently have a
shortfall of 5,500 nurses and they urgently need at least 1000 skilled migrant nurses. The incoming Federal
Government's first task should be addressing the health workforce crisis in Australia by making this country an
attractive option to skilled migrants."
He said Australia was up against fierce international competition when it comes to recruiting health professionals,
particularly nurses and a business-as-usual approach will not be enough to bring them here.
Level 3 /11 National Circ, Barton ACT 2600. PO Box 4502, Kingston ACT 2604. [T] 02 6273 9000 [F] 02 6273 7000
[E] [W] www.apha.org.au [FB] ValuingPrivateHospitals [Twitter] @priv8hospitals
ABN 82 008 623 809
"The difficulty we have recruiting is not just about money, people want to immigrate to a place where they will be
welcomed and there is an opportunity to settle with their family. The UK, Canada and France are all offering
enhanced residency pathways for health care workers who choose to move there, and Australia needs to follow suit.
"In addition, removing bureaucratic red tape imposing unnecessary restrictions on employers and visa holders needs
to be addressed to allow for a more flexible health workforce.
"Addressing health workforce shortages will be the first and most important issue we raise when we meet with the
new Health Minister," Mr Roff said.
-ENDSMedia contact: Frith Rayner, Director Communications and Marketing, 0413 971 999
Level 3 /11 National Circ, Barton ACT 2600. PO Box 4502, Kingston ACT 2604. [T] 02 6273 9000 [F] 02 6273 7000
[E] [W] www.apha.org.au [FB] ValuingPrivateHospitals [Twitter] @priv8hospitals
ABN 82 008 623 809
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