Elective surgery back on agenda

Important elective surgeries have resumed in Victoria’s regional public and private hospitals and will start in metropolitan Melbourne from the end of September.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jenny Mikakos unveiled the way forward for the state’s ‘safe and staged’ resumption of elective surgery, in line with the State Government’s broader roadmaps for reopening and public health advice.

Elective-surgery activity in regional Victoria will increase to 85 percent from September 28, when hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne will begin to ramp up to 75 percent of usual activity.

All Victorian hospitals will move to 100 percent of usual activity when the state moves from the last step to ‘COVID normal’, planned for November 23.

The plan allows for about 18,750 additional elective surgeries across private and public hospitals in October and an extra 10,500 in November.

Mr Andrews said the government would also reinstate an elective-surgery blitz as soon as it was safe to do so to catch up on a backlog.

“We know this has been an anxious time for many Victorians whose surgery is delayed, but we’ll catch up on the backlog as quickly as possible and ensure those who need it most are prioritised,” he said.

“We’ve acted on the public health advice and think it is the safest and best way forward – so Victorians can get the surgery they need and stay safe from the coronavirus.”

Specialist clinic consultations will increase in line with elective-surgery activity and telehealth will continue where possible to reduce face-to-face consultations.

Mr Andrews said that during the third step, most dental and allied health services would be able to recommence with a COVID-SAFE plan, with some limitations in place on group therapy for allied health.