No. 20 

$10 MILLION BOOST FOR ELECTIVE SURGERY

More than $10.4 million has been provided in the Budget to reduce the number of patients waiting for elective surgery and increase the number of elective procedures performed annually in the ACT health system.

“In addition, over its last three budgets, the Stanhope Government has invested an additional $13 million in elective surgery funding which has increased access to elective surgery to record levels,” Health Minister Katy Gallagher said. 

“This additional funding will contribute to a continued reduction in the numbers of patients waiting excessive periods of time for access to elective surgery.

“The focus of the additional funding will be in orthopaedics, urology, gynaecology, ear nose and throat and neurosurgery as these are the specialties where patients are experiencing the longest waits.  Extra funding has also been allocated to provide additional endoscopy procedures to assist with the demand that will ensue following the establishment of the National Bowel Screening Program.