The continual blame-shifting between state and federal governments does nothing to alleviate the crises in the system.
Victoria’s population has increased 50 per cent since 2000 – well beyond forecasts – and the demographic is ageing, which means the health system is dealing with more chronic-illness cases and more people needing constant care.
The healthcare service data, though, just keeps getting worse. More GPs and allied health professionals – the kind, for example, who might fit someone for a walking frame so they can be discharged from hospital – are desperately needed out of hours, at weekends and in regional areas.the system is “crumbling”. We agree.
Healthcare is an inherently complex and multi-faceted industry that must have each element working closely and in synchronisation if it is to work properly. Tossing in more funds to fix isolated problems provides only temporary patches.