00:00Scaling obstacles is all too common for William Goldsborough, who was born premature, and
00:10faced a lengthy wait to see a public specialist for hearing loss.
00:15At least three years, but potentially longer.
00:17It was unacceptable for a child that had already been through so much.
00:23The ABC has analysed the available data to find out the longest waiting times for public
00:28specialists across the nation.
00:30In South Australia, some people are waiting more than six years to see neurologists.
00:35In Victoria, there are waits of more than three years to see ear, nose and throat doctors.
00:41While in Tasmania, some are waiting more than three years for urgent appointments with neurosurgeons.
00:47Each statistic is a person who's waiting for essential care way beyond the time that is
00:53clinically appropriate, and that carries with it the risk of preventable death.
00:58Unfortunately, Australia doesn't actually do that well in terms of equity.
01:03Everyone agrees these waiting times are unacceptable.
01:06Now it comes down to money.
01:09Governments are pointing to a range of measures to address the issue, like boosting the workforce.
01:14We've got more to do though.
01:15There are areas of specialty that are still short.
01:18That sounds like sun.
01:19William ultimately saw a private specialist who arranged crucial surgery.
01:24It was a life changing moment.
01:26We hopped in the car and it was raining and he's like, what's that noise?
01:30And it was the pitter patter of the rain on the car roof that he could hear for the first
01:35time.
01:36Priceless moments costing Australians dearly.
01:39Do you want some strawberries?
01:40Yeah.
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