The allocation of A$18.6m will facilitate extra operating theatre schedules in certain hospitals during evenings and weekends. Credit: Silarock / Shutterstock.

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced an investment exceeding A$200m ($130m) aimed at reducing overdue surgeries, which has been exacerbated by recent industrial action and seasonal factors.

The funding includes A$18.6m to expedite planned surgeries and enable the opening of additional theatre lists in select hospitals during evenings and weekends, as well as the rostering of extra operating theatre staff.

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Additionally, A$186.4m will be used to enhance hospital capacity across NSW, ensuring timely delivery of surgical procedures.

In addition to addressing immediate surgical needs, this investment will provide all local health districts with additional resources for treatment spaces, staff and hospital activity.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said: “We are determined to ensure everyone who needs surgery in NSW gets it as quickly as possible and that’s why we are making this significant investment to boost planned surgery activity.

“While all emergency surgery 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.

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

The investment is part of a broader strategy to build a better health system and relieve pressure on the state’s busy hospitals.

The NSW government’s commitment to healthcare is further evidenced by the A$480.7m emergency department (ED) relief package, which is projected to prevent an estimated 290,000 ED visits annually.

In a separate development, progress is being made on the Wollongong Health Precinct, with the release of an Engagement Outcomes Report reflecting community feedback from consultations this year.

Key concerns addressed in the report include parking, transport links, public safety enhancements, expansion of healthcare services, housing for key health workers, and additional public open spaces.