The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has announced a significant investment of A$52.7m ($34.8m) in a four-year elective surgery plan to recruit additional staff and enhance theatre capacity.

This initiative aims to deliver 60,000 elective surgeries and expand the capacity of operating theatres in public health services.

Canberra Health Services is set to perform a record number of elective surgeries this financial year, and the 2024-25 ACT Budget will provide additional funding to support this momentum.

The recent expansion and upgrade of the endoscopy suites at North Canberra Hospital will enable the delivery of more endoscopies.

The new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital will also contribute to the increased theatre capacity, which is crucial for improving access to both emergency and elective surgeries.

To address the growing demand for emergency surgery, the plan includes increased operating theatre sessions during evenings and weekends, as well as additional surgical inpatient beds.

The government also plans to deliver a further 300 cataract surgeries by collaborating with private facilities.

The budget is aimed at bolstering services and initiatives across the public hospital network in the region.

These initiatives include acute care for the elderly, providing inpatient rehabilitation at the University of Canberra Hospital, various services for newborns who are critically ill and enhanced maternity services.

The government is allocating a total health investment of A$2.6bn for the next year with A$52.7m allocated specifically to support the elective surgery plan.