According to recently released NSW government data, state hospitals are treating patients quicker and reducing the risk of medical negligence.
Speaking on the latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Quarterly Report (April-June 2014), Health Minister Jillian Skinner said hospital demand is increasing, but patients are being treating more safely and efficiently.
“In the April to June quarter this year, there were 451,594 admitted patients – a two per cent increase or nearly 9,000 more patients than the same time last year,” she explained.
When this figure is broken down, it shows that over half (249,737) of patients arrived at hospital unplanned for emergency treatment or surgery.
A total of 600,962 patients visited NSW public hospital emergency departments during the three month period that is up 3 per cent, according to the government data.
Compared to 2010 information, urgent elective surgery is carried out 100 per cent on time (up from 91 per cent). This is also the same for semi-urgent surgery (up 12 to 97 per cent) and non-urgent (up 9 to 95 per cent).
One particular area to note is the 94 per cent of Ear Nose and Throat surgery patients treated on time over the three month period. This figure is well up from the 75 per cent registered in 2010 and indicates medical treatment is better across the state.
Although there is still room for improvement, Mrs Skinner praised the work of frontline medical professionals.
“Demand for hospital services continues to grow and it is the innovation and inspired work being done on the frontline which is ensuring patients are receiving quality, timely health care,” she stated.
“These results are testament to the hard work of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and hospital staff and I thank them for their dedication to caring for patients across the state.”
Medical negligence compensation
However, there are still cases that can fall through the gaps across hospitals and emergency medical centres.
If you are a patient who has developed further complications due to your non-treatment or delayed consultation, then you could be eligible for medical negligence compensation. You are urged to contact a compensation lawyer that can help prepare your claim.
As medical negligence compensation is a complex situation, it is best to take your claim directly to a lawyer. It is also important to record anything that could help your claim. If your negligence lawyer can have access to all relevant information, then you are more likely to be successful in your case.
