A surgery backlog has continued to worsen across the state as non-urgent procedures were cancelled due to the pandemic,with recent analysis showing elective surgery waiting lists are in danger of blowing out to 160,000 patients in the next five years.
Projections from the McKell Institute show the state’s waiting list will hit 160,000 patients in five years,with more than 30,000 people overdue for life-changing treatment such as hip replacements,gall bladder and heart valve replacements.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding boost would take the government’s total commitment to reducing wait times to almost $1 billion,which includes previous announcements of more than $530 million during the pandemic.
“This additional $408 million will make a real difference to patients by bringing their surgeries forward,” Perrottet said.
“We will increase elective surgery activity in our public hospitals and continue our collaborative care arrangements with private hospitals,meaning public patients will get faster access to the care they need.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government’s investment would also boost staff by 267 full-time equivalents and open additional theatre lists at some hospitals on evenings and weekends.
“I want to thank the community for its patience during this most challenging time,” Hazzard said.