“Inflation of health costs and continued funding for previously announced initiatives account for most of the Budget increase.  AMA (NSW) hopes there will be funds left over to restore cuts to front line jobs and operating theatre hours resulting from last year’s mini-budget.  It is also crucial that Area Health Service debts be repaid and the cycle of under funding stopped.” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Brian Morton.

“AMA (NSW) welcomes the confirmation of initial funding to implement the Garling Report including allocations for emergency physicians and rural junior medical staff.  We call on the government to implement Mr Garling’s recommendation that ward-level budgets be published to staff within four weeks of the delivery of the State Budget so that clinical managers know how much they have to work with.   

“NSW hospitals remain under pressure, with the Budget estimates showing a decline in patients transferred from emergency departments to beds within eight hours from 79 per cent in 2007-2008 to 73 per cent in 2008 – 2009. 

“The government will have to work closely with doctors and clinical staff to achieve optimum use of health resources,” Dr Morton said.

A separate statement on health infrastructure will follow.

Media Contacts:
Andrea Kunz (02) 9439 8822/ 0407 776 581
Tanzeem Parkar (02) 9439 8822/ 0419 402 955