ABC analysis shows some patients wait six years or more for outpatient medical appointments in Australia’s public hospital system.

According to the ABC, the delays are longest in parts of South Australia, where some patients waited more than six years to see a neurologist and 5.5 years to see ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and gastroenterologists.

In parts of Tasmania, waits for ENT specialists, neurologists and urologists were almost five years. Some families needing their child assessed for allergies waited more than five years.

Some patients find their condition deteriorates as they wait. Others live with chronic pain. All live with uncertainty. In our past interviews patients described “becoming more anxious”, and feeling “forgotten” and “alone […] like no one cares”.

Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is working to bolster the medical workforce. But while training more specialist doctors is an important part of a long-term plan, it’s not the only thing needed to reduce outpatient wait times.

Our research spanning more than a decade shows there are ways to reduce waiting lists that can be implemented now.

When a patient needs to see a specialist but doesn’t require hospitalisation, a GP or emergency department can refer them to a public outpatient clinic. In a public outpatient clinic, they can see a specialist or allied health provider – or receive a test or treatment – for free.

Some patients may go on to have........

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