Operations cut back

Elective surgery blowout to rise as COVID-19 surges

BARWON Health will again scale back elective surgeries amid the surge of coronavirus cases in Victoria.

Elective surgeries were slashed earlier this year as the state’s health system prepared for the pandemic but were being restored following a slowing in the spread of COVID-19.

But procedures are set to be wound back again as Victoria fights a second wave.

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby said the health service had been working towards returning to 100 per cent elective surgery by the end of July, in line with advice from the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Following the most recent advice from the Department of Health and Human Services, elective surgery will be scheduled back to 75 per cent of usual levels, as soon as possible,” Ms Bibby said.

“Where possible, the elective surgery currently booked will be completed.

“Future elective surgical cases will be booked according to clinical urgency.

“The reduction in surgery is part of the overall response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across Victoria.”

Geelong’s elective surgery waiting list blew out by almost 15 per cent in the first three months of the year.

The number of patients waiting for elective surgery at University Hospital Geelong grew from 1324 on December 31 to 1521 on March 31, the most recent Victorian Agency for Health Information figures show.

It’s expected the wait list for following months would have grown further due to coronavirus interrupting procedures.

Most category two and all category three elective procedures — required within 90 days and within a year respectively — were suspended from March 26 to April 27 to free up beds in the event of an influx of coronavirus patients and to preserve supplies of personal protective equipment.

Only category one (urgent) and category two surgeries (where delays would pose serious risks to patients’ health) were able to continue in that time.

More category two and category three elective surgeries commenced across Victoria’s public and private hospitals from April 27 after the spread of coronavirus slowed.

Barwon Health has previously said its normal activity was on average 440 elective surgery patients per week.