Publications

MEDIA RELEASE: Consumers must not be left feeling uncertain about access to specialist care

29 October 2026

The Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA) is aware of patients being removed from waitlists for specialist care through Canberra Health Services (CHS) via letter. This is part of CHS’ comprehensive review of outpatient services that aim to ensure patients with the greatest need can get specialist care sooner.

Demand for these services continues to grow and we recognise that these changes are intended to make the ACT Public health system as efficient and sustainable as possible. However, being removed from a waitlist can be stressful to health care consumers and their families and carers who may have waited years for specialist care. This is especially true if they are dealing with multiple health conditions or potentially life-threatening paediatric allergy.

Being removed from a waitlist without adequate preparation creates uncertainty about what happens next and whether our health needs will be addressed. Having to identify new referral pathways or find alternative care options can be challenging. Many people who are on Canberra Health Services waiting lists already face barriers to accessing alternative services, including out-of-pocket costs and a lack of local specialist services.

Consumers deserve proper consideration of their circumstances and clear communication and guidance on next steps if they are to be removed from a waitlist for specialist care.

If you or your family has been personally affected by this issue, and you wish to share your concerns with us or need support with next steps, please contact us via phone on 02 6230 7800 or email [email protected].

For more information about the review of outpatient services, please visit the Canberra Health Services website.

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About HCCA:

Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA) is the peak advocacy organisation for health consumers in the ACT. We work to improve the quality and safety of health services and advocate for health equity for people living in the Canberra region.

HCCA helps consumers have a say in the design and delivery of health care and represents the needs and priorities of consumers to the ACT Government and health services.

Media contact person: Lachlan Atyeo

Title: Executive Director

Organisation: Health Care Consumers’ Association (HCCA)

Phone number: 0483788368

Email address: [email protected]

Organisation website: https://www.hcca.org.au/