Ramsay Health Care boss Craig McNally says surgical activity is coming back strongly but there will be “bumps and lumps” coming out of COVID-19, with some hospitals still restricted due to a shortage of nursing staff in operating theatres.

While staff vacancies nationally are down by about 20 per cent to 30 per cent from the peak in March 2022, Mr McNally said in Victoria surgeries would still be limited by the low availability of staff.