New study shows that Australians still stand by the private health system

New research shows that 70 per cent of Australians believe that Australia’s health care system would not cope without a strong private hospitals sector, but many are unaware of the range of services provided by Australia’s private hospitals.

The research*, commissioned by the Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA), highlights that many Australians still do not understand just how significant private hospitals are to Australia’s overall health care network.

“It is important to understand that the private health system treats 40 per cent of all patients in Australia, which is more than 3.7 million patients each year,” said Michael Roff, Chief Executive Officer of the APHA. “Australia’s private hospitals also offer 99 per cent of the same treatments and procedures as public hospitals. They are not only a crucial part of Australia’s overall health system, but also a part of their local communities.”

The data has been released to coincide with Private Hospitals Week, the APHA’s annual week-long event that aims to educate the community on the importance of private hospitals and the range of services they offer. This year’s event, which runs from 26-30 March, is the largest ever, with over 180 private hospital facilities across the country showcasing their services and holding events to engage with their local communities.

“Private Hospitals Week gives hospitals an occasion to bridge the knowledge gap and educate Australians about the range and types of services available,” said Mr Roff. “It is an opportunity for hospitals across the country to open up their doors and showcase the brilliant work they do. Each private hospital has an important role to play in Australia’s overall health system and together we are ensuring that Australians continue to have access to the best healthcare services in the country.”

Age played a factor in the research, with 42 per cent of Australians between the ages of 18 and 24 unsure about how private hospitals operate and also less likely than older Australians to know the types of services provided by private hospitals.

“Through events like Private Hospitals Week which links to our social media presence on Facebook, we are trying to showcase our facilities to this younger demographic. In fact, throughout Private Hospitals Week, members of the public can visit www.facebook.com/valuingprivatehospitals and vote in our photo competition. Hospitals from across the country have entered photos of what they ‘Like’ at their facilities and we are asking the public to help us choose the winner,” said Mr Roff.

Private hospital facilities across the country will be celebrating Private Hospitals Week in a variety of ways, including running special education presentations, thank you morning teas and celebratory events for both the public and their staff throughout the week. 2012 marks the third annual Private Hospitals Week and involves private health facilities in all states across Australia. For more information on the Valuing Private Hospitals Campaign, please see www.privatehospitals.org.au or www.facebook.com/valuingprivatehospitals.

* Survey was commissioned by the Australian Private Hospitals Association in January 2012 and interviewed 1,006 Australians about their healthcare perceptions.