LAUNCESTON ophthalmologist Nicholas Downie has unleashed on the health department in a letter he says Health Minister Michael Ferguson ignored.
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The Launceston Eye Doctors specialist says the department has not consulted with clinicians when choosing long-wait patients who will travel for elective surgeries and is at risk of a “pink batts disaster”, referencing the federal government scheme linked with four separate deaths.
“Many of the patients are elderly and frail and have multiple comorbidities. Some may be suitable for moving for surgery and some will not,” he wrote.
“I have been told that the department is proposing to send patients to Melbourne for eye surgery … It is my strongly held belief that the department is creating a situation where a catastrophic outcome will occur.”
Mr Ferguson has made it his mission to reduce elective surgery waiting lists and the targeting of long-wait patients is one of his tactics. He disputed receiving Dr Downie’s letter on Wednesday despite the opposition pointing to an email from Mr Ferguson’s office acknowledging it.
He later said: “The choice is provided to patients whether they accept an offer of surgery sooner with a private provider, or remain on the waiting list. This is about getting the best outcomes for patients.”
Opposition health spokeswoman Rebecca White backed Dr Downie. “The minister has a responsibility to ensure his policy does not compromise patient safety and he must take the concerns of clinicians seriously, not brush them aside.”