Funding boost announced amid 4000 person-long overdue surgery waiting list

Almost 4000 people in NSW are facing longer than recommended waiting times for planned surgeries as ongoing industrial action takes a heavy toll on the state’s medical infrastructure.

Almost 4000 people in NSW are facing longer than recommended waiting times for planned surgeries as Health Minister Ryan Park admits ongoing industrial action is taking a toll on the state’s medical infrastructure.

Although the number of ­patients awaiting an overdue surgery had reduced from 14,000 in March 2023 down to about 1900 at the end of June this year, NSW Health said on Friday ongoing medical strikes had contributed to a more than doubling in the number of overdue cases.

“Following industrial action as well as seasonal factors, the number of overdue surgeries has now increased to almost 4000,” it said.

In an attempt to curb the growing number, the NSW government announced it would invest more than $200m, with a planned $186.4m going towards boosting hospital capacity and $18.6m going towards fast-­tracking planned surgeries.

Mr Park said although all emergency surgery had continued through­out the recent industrial action, “unfortunately it did lead to surgeries being postponed for many people on our planned surgery lists on those days”.

“This was obviously very disappointing for those people and it also had a knock-on impact for others due to receive a planned surgery, so this investment will help address this setback and ensure we are continuing to see everyone as quickly as we can.”

Public sector nurses and midwives across NSW have participated in a series of snap 24-hour strikes over the past months.

NSW Nurses and Midwives Association general secretary Shaye Candish said the union had been forced to take action after no meaningful progress on pay had been made during negotiations. “This strike action isn’t taken lightly but the government left us no other choice. It cannot continue to underestimate the anger within the nursing and midwifery professions,” she said.

“Our members are extremely frustrated and disheartened. They have been holding on for an outcome on better pay, juggling challenging working conditions, trying to manage their bills in a cost-of-living crisis, and now they feel terribly let down.”

NSW Health deputy secretary Matthew Daly acknowledged frustrations and requested at-risk patients remain vigilant against sudden deteriorations in health.

“We know it is very frustrating for people when a procedure is postponed or they wait longer than they expect. Our staff is working incredibly hard and we thank the community for their patience,” he said.

“Any patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while waiting for a procedure are encouraged to contact their treating doctor for a clinical review and they can be placed in a higher ­urgency category if required.”