Elective surgery in Western Australian hospitals will increase to 75 per cent of normal activity on Tuesday, June 2, with the full resumption of elective surgery activity expected on Monday, June 15.
The State Government put a hold on all but the most urgent surgeries on March 23 to enable hospitals to prepare for a possible surge in COVID-19 patients.
The decision to increase elective surgery activity to 75 per cent, with a view to returning to normal activity levels on June 15, has been made possible due to the success of WA’s public health measures and acquisition of significant stocks of personal protective equipment.
On March 23, the decision was made to continue only Category 1 surgery. The resumption of a quarter of Category 2 surgical activity followed on April 28 and half of all normal elective surgery resumed on May 15.
Patients will be contacted by the hospital if the surgery is scheduled to proceed. People are asked to not contact hospitals directly with enquiries as it diverts staff away from their core duties at this busy time.
The impact of elective surgery will be monitored and reviewed in the coming months, including a strategy to undertake additional elective surgery.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“I’d like to recognise the great work of our hospitals in their quick responses to the reductions in, and ramping up of, elective surgery at such short notice.
“We are extremely fortunate that we have been able to respond appropriately to COVID-19 and still safely care for patients in need, and provide urgent and emergency care.
“I again thank the people who have had their surgeries cancelled or postponed for their patience during these uncertain times and reassure them that suitable processes are in place to ensure their safety from COVID-19 in our hospitals.”
