Improving Specialist Outpatient Service Waitlists ​

John Hunter Hospital aimed to improve timely access for patients referred for specialist outpatient services. They implemented a collaborative whole-of-service approach designed to engage and enable staff and stakeholders to improve access to care. 

A suite of data-informed and clinically-led strategies were introduced within and across specialist outpatient services. Executive leadership support and collaboration with partners were integral to the success of this program. 

Results showed:

• Over the past four years, the number of patients waiting more than one year without a scheduled appointment fell by 68% (5711 patients)
• The longest wait time for a patient without an appointment has more than halved.