It follows 12 years of neglect of our health system by the previous Liberal Government who presided over a record 17,000 overdue surgeries.
The Minns Labor Government will invest $23 million to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.
This additional funding is expected to enable an additional 3,500 surgeries to be completed over the next year.
It comes as the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly data shows overdue surgeries have increased by 1,745 patients, to 8,587, in the past quarter.
This is down from around 14,000 in March 2023, when the NSW Government established the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce, but an increase from around 2,000 in mid-2024.
Meanwhile, there is encouraging data coming out of the Illawarra’s emergency departments.
Pleasingly, EDs have enjoyed a significant decrease in semi-urgent and non-urgent presentations over the past year.
Semi urgent presentations decreased by 673 or 3.9 per cent.
Non-urgent presentations decreased by 2,475 or 23.4 per cent.
It coincides with over 45,000 patients across NSW being diverted away to care outside the ED over the March 2025 quarter, including to urgent and virtual care through HealthDirect. This saves patients with non-life-threatening conditions a long wait in hospitals. It also frees up EDs for patients who need it most.
It comes after the Minns Labor Government invested a half billion dollars into emergency department relief through creating more pathways to care outside the hospital as well as improving patient flow within the hospital.
The transfer of patients from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes remains high in ISLHD at 84.5 per cent.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“For 12 years, the Liberals neglected our health system, presiding over a record number of overdue surgeries.
“From day one, tackling overdue surgeries has been our priority.
“We made significant progress in reducing the overdue surgeries that we inherited, down from 14,000.
“But we know there’s always more that we can do to improve the accessibility of planned surgeries.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
“Boosting access to surgeries in a timely manner is an investment in our health system that has already shown results.
“This is the type of investment, along with the new equipment at Wollongong Hospital, additional staff in Wollongong Hospital Emergency Department, construction of the new Warrawong Community Health Centre and opening of the new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station that will help to deliver better health outcomes for people in the Illawarra.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:
"It’s great to see further investment from the Minns Labor Government to reduce overdue surgeries across the Illawarra. This investment is much needed after 12 years of neglect from the previous Liberal National Government.
“The encouraging news on emergency department presentations is also most welcomed and I am looking forward to our brand new Shellharbour Hospital, which will include a new ED, opening in the next few years.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:
“These results show the Minns Labor government’s investment in alternative models of health care is delivering real benefits throughout the Heathcote Electorate in the Illawarra. These numbers are strong indicators that people are getting the right care in the right places.
"I thank all the NSW Health workforce, especially those in our Emergency Departments who are ensuring patients, and their families receive the care they deserve 365 days a year”.
Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast Liza Butler:
“This $23 million investment is about getting people the surgery they need, when they need it. After years of delay and neglect, Labor is doing the work to fix our health system and cut waiting lists.
“I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in our health system. We’ve brought overdue surgeries down from 14,000 to just over 8,500 – and this funding will accelerate that progress. People of the South Coast electorate and NSW deserve a health system that puts patients first.”
Quotes attributable to Sarah Kaine MLC:
“I want to thank our hospital staff, especially those from the Kiama electorate, for their continuing hard work and resilience as we work to rebuild our healthcare system.
“This Government is committed to rebuilding our essentials services, and this funding to reduce surgery wait times highlights that.”
