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Ryan Park
Minister for Health
Minister for Regional Health
Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast

Media Release
Minns Labor Government halves overdue planned surgery list

Thursday, 26 October 2023

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 7,010.
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 one-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.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“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.”

52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 1
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Quotes attributable to Clinical Dean Western Sydney University & Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil
Merrett:
“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.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Daryl Tan | Minister Park | 0422 028 222

52 Martin Place Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 5341 Sydney NSW 2001 2
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