News: Australia’s Private Hospitals - We do so much more!
Australia’s Private Hospitals –
We do so much more!
26-Apr-10
Patients, nurses, doctors and the community will come together this week to showcase the vital work private hospitals do every day in Australia. The inaugural Private Hospital Week was brought about as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness of the value of private hospitals.
“In contrast to popular perception, we undertake a similar range of procedures that public hospitals do including complex surgery, oncology, psychiatric services, rehabilitation, and in some places provide Accident and Emergency services,” said Chris Rex, President, Australian Private Hospitals Association.
“I am delighted that Private Hospitals week will showcase the work we do every day through the stories of our staff and most importantly, our patients.”
Australian Private Hospital Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Roff added; “Private hospitals are a vital part of Australia’s hospitals system. Without private hospitals many Australians will not get the care they need when they need it. Currently forty percent of all patients in Australia are treated in private hospitals each year and they appreciate the fact that they receive quality care in a timely fashion.”
“Australia needs both private and public hospitals to meet the health needs of Australians. Together we can work to ease the pressure on public hospitals, invest in training future doctors and nurses, cut the waiting lists for elective surgeries and reduce the demands on emergency departments.”
“We would like to hear from the public about their experiences at their local private hospital. We encourage everyone to visit the Valuing Private Hospitals Campaign website at www.privatehospitals.org.au to find out more.”
Events are planned throughout the week nationwide and an address by Chris Rex at the National Press Club in Canberra is scheduled on Thursday. The address will discuss the role of the Private Hospitals in the current reform debate.
For more details contact: Lisa Ramshaw, Public Affairs Manager, APHA, 0413 971 999
Facts about Australian private hospitals:
FACT: Of the total 660 procedures and treatments undertaken in Australian hospitals we provide 653 of them, including complex cardiac surgery.
FACT: We train the current and next generation of Australian doctors, nurses and other health professionals investing more than $250 million in training Australia’s health workforce since 2005.
FACT: Care in private hospitals is more affordable than many people realise. Last financial year, we treated 3.1 million Australians – some 40% of all patients admitted to hospital - including public patients, and veterans.
