Victorian public hospitals deliver record 212,000+ planned surgeries

For the second consecutive year, Victoria’s public hospitals have delivered the most planned surgeries on record — with more than 212,000. In the past year, Monash Health alone delivered close to 30,000 planned surgeries; a performance, the state government said, that was supported by the Integrated Perioperative Care Centre, which streamlines complex and high-risk procedures — “taking pressure off the main hospital theatres and improving patient outcomes”.

“Monash Health has really led the reform to planned surgery in Victoria, and it is fantastic to see the improvements which are benefiting locals across our south-eastern suburbs,” Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos said.

Across the state, the last quarter saw a 13% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels, with 58,264 patients receiving planned surgery — and the overall waitlist down 3.7% since last quarter. All Category 1 patients continued to be treated within the recommended time this quarter, the government said, with median wait times for Category 2 and 3 patients improving by five and 25 days, respectively, from the same quarter last year.

“Despite record winter demand, our dedicated healthcare workers continue to deliver world-class care — but we know there is more to do,” Victorian Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas said.

To support regional patients, the government said it is establishing an additional five new Patient Support Units (PSUs), which help patients navigate the surgery process by coordinating care, exploring alternative treatment pathways and keeping patients informed throughout their journey. These PSUs will be established at Bass Coast Health, Central Highlands Rural Health, Colac Area Health, Echuca Regional Health and Mildura Base Public Hospital — bringing the total number of PSUs across Victoria to 28.

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