Around 3,500 patients in Western Sydney will benefit from improved access to planned surgery following the Minns Labor Government's $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state.
As part of this investment, short stay surgery models have been established at Nepean Blue Mountains and Western Sydney local health districts.
At Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, the expansion of services as a result of the $30 million program is expected to deliver an estimated 500 surgeries by 1 July 2027, with the High Volume Short Stay model expanding to gynaecology, ear, nose, and throat surgeries.
In Western Sydney Local Health District, Auburn Hospital has enhanced its High Volume Short Stay service for those needing cataract surgery, increasing capacity to deliver more than 1,400 procedures each year.
The model helped Western Sydney Local Health District reduce its number of overdue planned surgery patients in the latest BHI Quarterly to less than 5, down from 2,021 in the same period four years ago. At Auburn, Westmead, and Mount Druitt Hospitals, the number of overdue planned surgeries reached zero.
High Volume Short Stay surgeries are planned procedures where patients are admitted for up to 72 hours.
Statewide, the number of overdue surgeries peaked at more than 18,000 under the Liberals in 2022. Since being elected, the Minns Labor Government has reduced the number of people waiting longer than clinically recommended from 14,059 in March 2023 to 3,955 in March 2026.
The $30 million one-off injection builds on the $200 million invested since 2024 to reduce overdue surgeries, and the establishment of the state's first Surgery Hub at Northern Beaches Hospital, which has been active since 1 July and is expected to perform up to 5,000 additional surgeries per year.
The 2026-27 NSW Budget also included $10.3 billion to support increased capacity across the health system, including to deliver an estimated 2,900 additional planned surgeries.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We do not want people in NSW to have to wait longer than they need to for their planned surgery. That's why we have taken action to slash the overdue surgery wait lists left behind by the Coalition.
"We know the impacts of waiting for a planned procedure can be life-limiting, painful, and stressful.
"By investing in these innovative models, we can deliver more surgeries, help patients access timely care, and recover faster."
Quotes attributable to Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:
"This investment is great news for patients and families across Penrith and Western Sydney, helping more people access the planned surgery they need sooner.
"By expanding short stay surgical services at Nepean and Hawkesbury hospitals, we're increasing capacity, reducing wait times, and helping local residents get back to their everyday lives sooner.
"The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering better healthcare closer to home and ensuring patients receive timely, quality care when they need it."
Quotes attributable to Member for Blue Mountains Trish Doyle:
"It's an extremely difficult time waiting for surgery. This model that makes inroads into the planned surgery wait list for residents of the Blue Mountains and surrounds, is very welcome indeed."
Quotes attributable to Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:
"Auburn Hospital is a crucial part of our local services. The addition of expanded Short Stay Surgeries at Auburn will not only make a significant difference to our community but will take pressure of Westmead Hospital helping everyone across Western Sydney.
"This is the NSW Labor Government at its best delivering services to local communities."
