Western Australian public hospitals will continue to book multi-day non-urgent Category 2 and Category 3 elective surgeries for another two weeks as Omicron COVID-19 cases remain steady.
Currently there are no COVID-19 cases in WA hospitals.
As previously outlined, the surgery schedule would be reviewed ahead of the commencement of the temporary pause to some surgeries, based on Omicron COVID-19 case numbers and advice from the Chief Health Officer.
The temporary scale down on non-urgent multi-day elective surgery is now set to commence on March 14 at all WA public hospitals and on March 21 at some larger private hospitals.
There is no change to Category 1 bookings and the surgery schedule for these will continue as normal.
WA Health will continue to closely monitor COVID-19 cases in our community and in our hospitals.
Patients will be advised by their treating hospital if they will be booked for surgery.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“While COVID-19 cases continue to rise, due to our strong management, the increase has been slower than expected and therefore, additional elective surgeries can be booked for another two weeks.
“This is an agile and planned approach to elective surgery and will ensure some patients who have been waiting for surgery can be treated.
“Thank you to all our healthcare staff across the system for your hard work and commitment and thank you to everyone awaiting elective surgery for their understanding.”
