Gold Coast Surgery Centre's 1st Anniversary
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 13 2009
2009 >>

Acknowledgesments

Traditional owners of the land

Ms Naomi Dwyer, Cheif Operations Officer, Gold Coast Health Service District

Mr Kenneth Brown, Acting Chair, Health Community Council

Dr Don Pitchford, Action Executive Director Surgery and Critical Care, Gold Coast Health Service District

Dr Stephen Weinstein, Director of Queensland Health Pathology and Scientific Services - Gold Coast Health Service District

Ms Ellen Judd, Acting Director Perioperative Services, Gold Coast Health Service District

Speaking Points

Good Morning - I am pleasedf to be able to represent the Depty Premier and Minsiter for health this morning.

As Minister for Tourism, I am well aware of that population and growth on the Gold Coast is taking no notice of census projections.

While this is good for tourism and our local economy, it places pressure on our health services.

The increased pressure on emergency departments impacts inpatient beds and non-elective surgery services, which again places pressure on elective surgery.

With extra funding provided to Queensland to reduce waiting times for elective surgery for public patients, the $14.5 million Gold Coast Surgery Centre was acquired in July last year.

The 3-theatre, stand alone day surgery facility has already been instrumental in freeing up additional operating time for the District and assisting with elective surgery waiting times and effciency.

The first facility of its type in Queensland Health, this centre is capable of treating up to 6000 patients a year, which translates into a dramatic reduction of time spent on waiting lists for public patients.

For example, Category 1 long-wait patients have reduced from 26 in July 2008 to 5 at the end of April this year.

The centre has also supported a number of new outpatient clinics to assist in fast-tracking day surgery patients through the system.

Since opening, the centre has performed some 3100 procedures across a number of surgical specialities.

The facility has also help boost the morale in our surgeons, thanks to increased opportunities for them to perform surgery and reduce likelihood of cancellations.

With its close proximity to the Gold Coast University Hospital, the Robina Hospital expansion and the Robina Health Precinct, representing an investment of more than $2.07 billion in improved health services.

I would espcially like to recongnise and thank members of the Cherbourg community here today who have donated an original painting in recognition of the voluntary work of District specialists who regularly travel to Cherbourg to provide outpatients clinics in a range of specialities.  

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