The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has just released reporting that tracks elective surgery data to assess public hospital performance and patient access to care. The latest snapshot shows Australia’s public hospitals are still under significant strain with the number of elective surgery admissions and additions to waiting lists have both increased over the past 5 years, though average waiting time to be admitted has decreased.
As stated in the report, while most elective surgeries in Australia are undertaken in private hospitals, this report provides an overview of elective surgeries from public hospital waitlists. These medically necessary procedures are planned and not conducted as a result of an emergency presentations and therefore, may be subject to delays.
The core challenges in public hospitals are workforce shortages, rising demand, and insufficient funding to meet increasing complexity, particularly as the population ages and chronic disease becomes more prevalent.
Australian anaesthetists deliver individualised, high-quality, and safety-driven services that enable patients to undergo surgery, interventional procedures, childbirth, trauma management and complex pain treatments. This care is provided under some of the most rigorous regulatory, professional, and training standards internationally, which is what patients expect.
Independent workforce modelling commissioned by the ASA in 2024 demonstrated that Australia could avoid a looming shortfall in anaesthesia services if governments commit to straightforward, evidence-based workforce planning measures. Implementing these recommendations would support timely access to surgery and ensure the sustainability of services across all states and territories. Our report was provided to all Federal, State and Territory Health Departments when released.
The ASA calls on all governments to act in a coordinated and responsible manner with regards to sustained investment, appropriate workforce strategies, and a long-term plan to meet Australia’s growing and ageing population.
The report and more information can be found here: https://www.aihw.gov.au/hospitals/topics/elective-surgery