This Really Can’t Be Seen as a Full Package – What is Going On?

From the SMH this morning.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/elective-surgery-when-you-need-it-rudds-bold-pledge-20100412-s442.html

Elective surgery when you need it: Rudd's bold pledge

MARK METHERELL HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

April 13, 2010

THE Prime Minister has set his government the ambitious goal of ensuring that virtually all Australians needing elective surgery will get their operations in clinically recommended times.

Kevin Rudd last night released the final section of his of health reform proposals, a $650 million boost over four years to finance his promise that 95 per cent of patients get timely treatment.

But the government is holding back on declaring plans for four big problem areas previously targeted for reform: mental health, dental health, preventive health measures for obesity and alcohol abuse, and ''E-health'' or electronic health records.

This is despite the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission's ''Denticare'' recommendation to ensure dental care for all Australians and its call for patient-controlled electronic health records to enable safer and more efficient care.

More here:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/elective-surgery-when-you-need-it-rudds-bold-pledge-20100412-s442.html

Does anyone understand why after all the reviews and discussion, all the reports and consultation we find ourselves in this mess – with grumpy Premiers and a determined PM just storming on?

I sure don’t.

David.