The Minns Labor government has halved the state’s overdue planned surgery list, according to the Surgical Care Taskforce interim report.
On his first full day in the job, Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the formation of the Surgical Care Taskforce to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.
Between March and September 2023, this number was slashed from 14,067 to 7010.
One of the ways the taskforce was able to achieve this was by expanding the category of some procedures eligible for same day surgery when clinically appropriate, and by increasing the capacity for NSW Health to undertake surgeries.
The taskforce identified common (or high volume) procedures typically undertaken with a 1-night stay and has identified surgery types that can be increasingly conducted as same-day procedures.
The taskforce’s next steps will focus on building capacity in the NSW public health system to ensure a sustainable surgical service into the future.
The initiative will reduce wait times as well as demand for overnight beds.
The taskforce has brought together some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.
Members include surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing and allied health clinicians from regional and metropolitan locations as well as Local Health District, Specialty Health Network, Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pillar organisation executives.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said:
“I’m so proud of the work and progress made by the taskforce in halving the planned surgery wait list.
“I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort.
“We have brought together some of the state’s leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state.
“I thank NSW Health staff for their tremendous efforts throughout this period of high planned surgery activity across NSW, as these results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination to get access to care for our patients.
“I also thank the private hospital partners who have played a very important role in achieving this outcome.”
Clinical Dean Western Sydney University and Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil Merrett said:
“Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals.
“These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice.
“More patients will be able to safely go home sooner and be provided with appropriate support where required.
“These models increase convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes.”