State Government changes plans on elective surgery at private hospitals

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. PIC: 7News

Private hospitals will be allowed to resume some category three and category two surgeries from Wednesday after the State Government reviewed the ban due to a slower than expected COVID-19 hospitalisation rate.

From today, category three and non-urgent category two procedures were not allowed to be booked at private hospitals, but in an announcement on Monday Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said those surgeries that are a day or single-night stay procedure can now be booked from Wednesday.

"Omicron cases continue to rise week on week, but thanks to our strong pandemic management, the increase has been slower than expected," Ms Sanderson said.

"That means there is scope to allow private hospitals to resume short-stay elective surgeries.

"We have taken an agile and planned approach to elective surgery, and will ensure some patients who require surgery can be treated as we continue to review these settings."

Patients will be advised by their treating private hospital or specialist if they will be booked in for surgery.

A ban on booking new non-urgent category two and three elective surgeries remains for public hospitals.

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