Vale Clinical Professor Saxon Smith
February 16, 2024
Dire Health Figures Reveal Need For Budget Injection Says AMA (NSW)
March 14, 2024
AMA (NSW) today reiterated concerns about the NSW Health budget and the impact on services, particularly palliative care services.
The NSW Health Budget delivered an effective loss – a mere 0.87% increase on the 2022 – 23 budget which will be overtaken by health inflation, expected to be around 5%.
During Budget Estimate hearings today, Liberal MP the Hon. Susan Carter suggested that there has been a $249 million cut to funding for palliative care, saying “The funding was cut by a quarter of a billion dollars from $650 million to $401 million.”
This is consistent with reports AMA (NSW) has received from those working in our health system. “Waitlists to see a palliative care doctor for patients who are rapidly approaching the end of life in Western Sydney are taking multiple weeks. To force people to wait longer is heartless and inhumane.” AMA (NSW) President Dr Michael Bonning said.
“The government needs to, as a priority, adequately fund palliative care.” Dr Bonning said today. ‘‘These funding cuts are indicative that the health of the people of NSW is being deprioritised by the government.’’
“When patients reach the stage of palliative care they are at their most vulnerable. They have reached a stage in life when they need and deserve enormous respect and support. It is vital these vulnerable people are provided with the services they need and deserve.”
Contact: +61 419 402 955 | news@amansw.com.au