While the budget investment in hospitals is welcome, AMA ACT president Dr Betty Ge says the real test will be whether patients receive care sooner.
She said Canberrans want practical results: shorter waits in emergency departments, faster access to specialists and more timely surgery.
“Patients do not experience budgets — they experience waiting times. The test of this Budget will be whether Canberrans can access the care they need sooner.” Dr Ge said.
“It is good to see continued investment in our public hospitals, and it is encouraging that we are seeing improvement in some parts of the system.
“We particularly welcome investment in the new Acute Palliative Care Unit, which will improve care and dignity for patients with complex and end-of-life needs. Additional investment in cancer services is also a positive step.
“But now we need to see that funding turn into real care for patients.”
Dr Ge said planned surgery remains one of the biggest pressure points in the ACT health system.
“We can acknowledge improvement while also being honest that too many patients are still waiting too long for surgery,” she said.
“The key question is whether this funding translates into more staffed beds, more theatre sessions and faster access to care.”
Dr Ge said the Budget papers showed additional Commonwealth funding flowing into ACT public hospitals under the National Health Reform Agreement, which was welcome.
“The key issue for patients is how that funding translates into additional services and capacity,” she said.
“Patients deserve to see more operations, more appointments and shorter waiting times. Funding announcements are important, but outcomes are what matter.”
Dr Ge said workforce remained critical to the success of the Budget.
“Hospitals need people to deliver care. Investment alone does not create capacity unless hospitals can recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other health professionals,” she said.
AMA ACT also called for greater certainty regarding the future North Canberra Hospital.
“We support development of a modern North Canberra Hospital and welcome ongoing planning work,” Dr Ge said.
“Canberrans would benefit from greater clarity about the timetable, capacity and service profile of the future North Canberra Hospital.”
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