The Australian Health Insurance Association Conference heard this week that the publication of hospital results spurred better care and lowered costs. There is strong evidence from the US at least, that release of detailed hospital-acquired infection figures would reduce the frequency of infections.
According to this report in today's Sydney Morning Herald, it's all led the Health Minister, Tony Abbott, to float the idea of a score card rating for public hospitals, and performance reports "to end the official secrecy which shrouds problems in hospitals".
Can't beat that sunshine.
Apparently in some states, hospital waiting list details still aren't routinely released. It might still be a big step to get even more detail about what is going on in the health system.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
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