Want to save public hospitals? First, stop being stupid
Want to save public hospitals? First, stop being stupid
Martyn Goddard

Want to save public hospitals? First, stop being stupid

Under-funding is not the main reason for the crisis in Australia’s public hospitals. A far bigger problem is systemic stupidity.

Before the pandemic, Tasmania’s public hospital system was the nation’s standout basket case. But the malaise, rather like a virulent infectious disease, has spread.

Now every state has the same scandals: critically ill patients waiting for ambulances that are ramped outside a hospital, unconscionably long waiting times for elective surgery, bed block and chaos in emergency departments.

Want to save public hospitals? First, stop being stupid.

Republished from THE POLICY POST May 10, 2024

The views expressed in this article may or may not reflect those of Pearls and Irritations.

Martyn Goddard

Martyn Goddard is a public policy analyst specialising in health and state government funding. He was a member of the Australian Council on AIDS and Related Diseases and its clinical subcommittee; as well as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. He also served as a health policy officer at the Australian Consumers’ Association (Choice).

Please support Pearls and Irritations with your tax deductible donation

This year, Pearls and Irritations has again proven that independent media has never been more essential.
The integrity of our media matters - please support Pearls and Irritations.
For the next month you can make a tax deductible donation through the Australian Cultural Fund. Please click here to donate.