Bendigo's elective surgery waiting list is at a record high. Picture: File
BENDIGO’S elective surgery waiting list is at a record high, according to quarterly data released by the Victorian government.
The statewide performance data from December 2012 shows 1014 people are waiting for elective surgery, nearly double that of June 2010 when 660 people were on the list.
Statewide figures have also jumped from 43,173 in December 2011 to 47,760 a year later.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the latest data clearly showed the impact the $616 million worth of cuts to the health system was having on Bendigo.
“You can’t make those sorts of cuts and not have that sort of impact,” she said.
“It impacts on hospitals’ ability to employ more staff and keep more beds open.”
Ms Allan said the figures showed the need for the construction of the new Bendigo hospital, which is being delayed due to problems with the tender.
“I think it shows Bendigo’s bearing the brunt of the health cuts,” she said.
“This is why it’s even more important that the Baillieu government tells the community just what is going on with our new hospital.
“These figures show the Bendigo community is already suffering and will continue to do so.”
A spokesman for Victorian Minister for Health David Davis did not return a call for comment last night.
Statewide stats
Number of people on Victorian elective surgery waiting list:
• 2011 December quarter – 43,173.
• 2012 March quarter – 45,804.
• 2012 June quarter – 46,131
• 2012 September quarter – 47,463.
• 2012 December quarter – 47,760.
Longest average elective surgery wait times as at December 31, 2102 (days):
• Varicose veins surgery – 134
• Knee replacement – 133
• Myringoplasty (eardrum surgery) – 103
• Septoplasty (nose surgery) – 117
* Tonsils removal – 90
* Hip replacement – 88
