Budget 2015: $98m for more elective surgery

$30 million to lift surgery for people with a range of orthopaedic conditions (such as hip, knee, shoulder and spinal conditions);

$14 million for extra general surgeries (including hernia, vein and gall stone operations);

$6 million to create community based multi-disciplinary early intervention teams for diagnosis and management of orthopaedic conditions, helping to improve patients’ quality of life and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

“We want to keep people active and well for longer at home in their community,” Dr Coleman says. “There are a lot of people with osteoarthritis where early intervention in a community setting is appropriate. “Early intervention can deliver improvements in diagnosis, self-management, education and exercise, and pain management. These new early intervention teams will make a real difference to patients and their families.” Health funding has increased every year under this Government. Health is expected to receive the largest share of new funding in Budget 2015. – –  ]]>