Productivity Comm Response - Private Hospitals Are Less Costly, More Efficient

Productivity Commission - Private Hospitals Are Less Costly, More Efficient and Safer

The Australian Private Hospitals Association welcomed todayfs release of the draft report of the Productivity Commission on the performance of Public and Private Hospitals, and warned that the Federal Government should think twice before diverting resources away from the private hospital sector.

'I commend the Commission for their work on such a complex and difficult topic. This report finds that private hospitals are less costly, more efficient and safer,' said Michael Roff, CEO of the Australian Private Hospitals Association. 'Our workforce costs are lower, we have shorter stays and lower rates of infection even though our hospitals are performing the majority of surgery.'

'At a time when the Federal Government is advocating the winding back of the 30% Private Health Insurance rebate, one would think they would want to encourage Australians to keep their health insurance and use it to receive high quality private hospital care that represents excellent value for money.'

'Private hospitals have long been advocates of safety and quality measures. This report shows that, according to the available information, you are less likely to acquire a Healthcare Associated Infection if you are treated in a private hospital.'

'The Commission has highlighted the need for improvements in data collections relating to both cost and quality to improve consistency and allow more valid comparisons. APHA supports the idea of nationally consistent collections to remove duplication and reduce the regulatory burden on hospitals.'


For more information or to interview Michael Roff contact: Lisa Ramshaw, APHA Public Affairs Manager on 0413 971 999


SOURCE: Australian Private Hospitals Association