Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

In regard to the current statewide vascular surgery services:

(1)  What are the current number of patients on waiting lists for vascular surgery for categories one, two and three vascular surgery by region;

(2)  What are the current waiting times for vascular surgery for categories one, two and three vascular surgery by region;

(3)  How many patients awaiting vascular consultations and procedures received care during the recent dedicated vascular clinics and surgery sessions at the Launceston General Hospital;

(4)  What were the previous waiting lists and times, prior to this additional session as per questions (a) and (b);

(5)  Will there be another dedicated vascular clinics and surgery session for patients awaiting vascular assessment and/or surgery?  If so, when is this planned and how will patients be identified to be assessed and treated under such a program?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the honourable member for Murchison for her question.  I have answers to questions (1) and (2) together.

Launceston General Hospital patients currently on the elective surgery waiting list ready for care as at 12 October 2015:

Priority 1, 30 days, eight patients on the waiting list; the median wait time is seven days.

Priority 2, 90 days, 10 patients; the median wait time is 63 days.

Priority 3, 365 days, 10 patients; the median wait time is 83 days.

That is a total of 28 patients on the waiting list for the LGH.

For the Royal Hobart Hospital:

Priority 1, 30 days, three patients; median wait time 24 days.

Priority 2, 90 days, 12 patients; median wait time 106 days.

Priority 3, 365 days, 14 patients; median wait time 209 days.

The total patients on the waiting list is 29.

Vascular surgery is not provided at the North West Regional and Mersey Community hospitals.

(3), (4) and (5)

There have been no dedicated vascular clinics or surgery sessions at the LGH and none are planned for the future.