Qld: Lack of specialists in the country a hot topic for doctors

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2001
Qld: Lack of specialists in the country a hot topic for doctors

Queensland's incoming Australian Medical Association state president Dr BILL GLASSON
says it often took more than a year to get a medical opinion from a specialist at a regional
hospital.

Dr GLASSON, a consultant opthalmologist in Brisbane who takes over the helm of the
AMAQ next month, says more than 40,000 people are on state hospital waiting lists for
elective surgery.

Dr GLASSON says that as president, he'll seek a meeting with Health Minister WENDY
EDMOND in a bid to set up regular talks every three months between herself, Queensland
Health officials and the heads of medical colleges.

Ms EDMOND said earlier this month that up to 40 specialists are needed to fill specialist
vacancies in public hospitals for ear, nose and throat specialists, urologists, ophthalmologists
and orthopaedic surgeons.

She says specialists may have to be brought in from overseas because many doctors are
reluctant to work in the public health system.

AAP RTV rad/jhm/pc

KEYWORD: DOCTORS (BRISBANE)

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