Media Statement

19 September 2023

Please attribute this statement to a Hunter New England Health spokesperson

Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is committed to ensuring all patients have
access to high-quality, safe and timely surgical care.

Any postponement of surgery is not done lightly, and we acknowledge the impact this has on our
patients, their families and carers.

We always try to reschedule any delayed surgeries as quickly as possible and thank our patients and
the community for their understanding.

Collaborative care arrangements, where public patients have their procedures in private facilities,
remain in place until the end of the year. The District also continues to review waitlists and processes
to streamline surgical services where possible.

An increasing and ageing population with a growing incidence of chronic disease has contributed to
a rising number of referrals for specialties such as orthopaedics, gastroenterology and ear, nose and
throat (ENT).

Staffing challenges and a national shortage of medical specialists also has an impact on surgical
capacity. We continue to respond with targeted, strategic workforce planning, including a district-
wide approach to recruiting specialists.

All planned surgery patients are seen according to clinical priority. Patients are encouraged to speak
to their treating doctor or clinical team if they have experienced a change in their condition so they
can be clinically reviewed and re-prioritised to a more urgent category if required.

Background

• In the most recent Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly report (April – June 2023)
Hunter New England Local Health District maintained a steady performance despite record
demand for high-level emergency care. The District completed the largest number of surgeries in
the state, with 7,403 planned surgeries over the quarter.

HUNTER NEW ENGLAND LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT MEDIA UNIT

E: HNELHD-Media@health.nsw.gov.au | P: 0418 463 031 | W: www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au