News

Weathering the storm

By Darren Linton

Aug 7, 2022

COVID-19 and flu season are still putting pressure on hospitals but elective surgery is still a priority for the Victorian Government. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

The latest release of quarterly performance data confirms Victoria’s health system is under unprecedented pressure from a busy flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals were managing record demand while treating far sicker patients who were staying longer which was reflected in the latest data, with hospital emergency department presentations pushing up to 486,701 — an increase of 5.1 per cent from the previous quarter.

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Elective surgery waiting lists across the country have been stretched throughout the pandemic, but the Victorian Government said Victoria’s list had stabilised since the previous quarter and was sitting at 87,275.

Goulburn Valley Health’s surgical waiting list was less than it was at the height of the pandemic.

A total of 41,468 patients received their surgery in the last quarter, an increase of 48 per cent compared to the previous quarter.

“We’re in the midst of a record-breaking period of demand on our health system, but this latest data shows that we are weathering the storm and building a system that will be stronger than ever moving forward,” Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“All our healthcare workers are doing an incredible job under challenging circumstances — and this government is ensuring they have all the support they need, to give Victorians the care they deserve faster.”

A $1.5 billion COVID-19 catch-up plan was targeting elective surgery waiting lists that blew out when elective surgeries were cancelled for long periods in 2020-21.