Patients awaiting specialist care through Canberra Health Services (CHS) have reported being abruptly removed from public waitlists via correspondence. The move is part of a broader, systematic review of more than 40 outpatient services currently being conducted by the health provider.
Changes to Eligibility Criteria
The issue gained public attention after Liz Allen, a Canberra mother, received a letter stating her daughter had been removed from the paediatric allergy clinic waitlist. Despite her daughter having a history of anaphylaxis, the letter informed the family that her condition "no longer meets the requirement for a specialist appointment." Ms. Allen, who had been waiting nearly three years for the appointment, noted she received no prior communication regarding the change in criteria.
CHS Chief Operating Officer Alison Derritt explained that the health service is reviewing waitlists to ensure resources are directed toward higher-category patients. She stated that the updated criteria for the allergy clinic now focus on children under 16 with severe, complex food allergies and a history of anaphylaxis. Ms. Derritt acknowledged the frustration caused by the process and encouraged patients who believe their circumstances were misunderstood to contact the service for further discussion.
Political Response
The removal of patients has drawn sharp criticism from the ACT Opposition. Leader Mark Parton has accused the government of attempting to artificially improve waitlist statistics. Mr. Parton intends to move a motion in the Legislative Assembly this week, urging the government to "honour the original waiting lists" and reverse the recent removals.
