June 6, 2014
The State Government says the long-term waiting for general dental care in the South Burnett has been reduced to zero.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said there were now no patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for a routine dental check-up.
“This government has a strong plan for Queensland to have the best free public health system in the nation,” Mr Springborg said.
“A year ago there were 7210 people waiting more than two years for general treatment in the Darling Downs HHS area (which includes the South Burnett). As of last week that is now zero.
“This has been a major success story for local management of the hospital and health service as the Darling Downs HHS Board made an active decision to reduce waiting lists through a campaign to recruit more public dental health staff and move them to areas to meet the greatest demand.”
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Board Chair Mike Horan said he was pleased the targeted approach to improving waiting times had paid dividends.
“We have implemented a range of measures to see more patients, including funding a private dentist to see public patients at Inglewood, the appointment of new principal dentists in the Southern Downs, South Burnett and Western Downs, and offering after-hours appointments to patients in some areas,” Mr Horan said.
“We have also introduced a voucher system which allows eligible patients to see private dentists.
“Extra kudos goes to our dedicated oral health staff who have achieved this great outcome within the context that demand for government-funded dentistry in the region is high, with up to 70 per cent of residents in some areas eligible to receive public care.”
The Federal and State governments signed a National Partnership Agreement which resulted in extra funding to provide extra services.
