Better Care, Shorter Waits: Fixing Hospital Funding for Men’s Health

Australian public hospitals are spending more each year, yet many patients still face long waits, overcrowded emergency departments, and delayed procedures. A new report highlights that around $1.2 billion annually is wasted on avoidable hospital costs that do not improve patient care. If managed better, this money could fund 160,000 additional hospital visits each year, easing pressure on the system.

For men with urinary health conditions—such as prostate disease, incontinence, or bladder issues—hospital efficiency matters. Delays in diagnostics, surgery, or follow-up care can worsen symptoms and quality of life. The report shows that costs for the same procedures vary widely between hospitals, suggesting major inefficiencies rather than differences in care quality.

Smarter spending does not mean cutting care. Examples from Australia and overseas show that preventing complications, reducing unnecessary hospital stays, and using technology can improve outcomes while lowering costs. The authors argue for more realistic hospital budgets, funding reforms, and accountability to ensure hospitals deliver better, faster care—especially as the population ages and demand for men’s health services continues to rise.

Breadon, P., & Baldwin, E. (2025, November 18). Smarter spending: Getting better care for every hospital dollar (Grattan Institute Report). Grattan Institute. https://grattan.edu.au/report/smarter-spending-getting-better-care-for-every-hospital-dollar/