The State Government has announced a $30 million plan to reduce waiting times in Queensland hospitals.

The money will benefit those suffering from ear, nose and throat conditions.

Some patients have been waiting years for treatment.

Chris Thompson reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Premier met with some young Logan Hospital patients for an announcement that could benefit them directly.

Annastacia Palaszczuk was eager to reveal Labor’s $30-million plan to decrease wait times for E-N-T patients.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “It’s to make sure especially these young children can get early diagnosis and that early treatment.”

The plan will also see GPs trained to perform treatments that would otherwise increase hospital workloads and waiting times.

Cameron Dick, Health Minister: “We have a category three patient who’s been waiting 2,869 days – seven and a half years for an appointment that should have taken one year. I don’t think that’s acceptable.”

The program will run for two years.

With parliament back in full swing this week, Queensland’s political rivalry is expected to fire up very quickly.

Cook MP Billy Gordon could again steal the spotlight.

Lawrence Springborg, Opposition Leader: “Billy Gordon’s presence in Parliament and the desperation of Labor to accept his vote is akin to the whole Craig Thompson affair.”

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Qld Premier: “The LNP will want to create as much mischief and mayhem as they possibly can. And I say to Lawrence Springborg, where is the new style Opposition?”

Parliament will sit until Thursday.

Chris Thompson, QUT News.