Canberra Hospital's Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) program is celebrating 5 years of helping patients recover faster, return home sooner and avoid complications after major surgery.
In 2025, the program recorded its biggest year yet, with 1,013 patients participating, delivering safer recoveries quicker and freeing up hospital beds for those who need them.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the program is having a real and measurable impact on patient wellbeing.
"ERAS is helping patients get back on their feet sooner, with fewer complications and shorter hospital stays," Minister Stephen-Smith said.
"For patients involved in the ERAS Program we have seen admissions to the Intensive Care Unit drop by 46% and medical complications drop by 50%. These are life changing improvements for patients and their families."
The ERAS Program at Canberra Hospital supports patients undergoing seven major types of surgery, including elective caesarean sections, hysterectomies, colorectal surgery, lung resections, breast reconstructions, major head and neck surgery and major vascular surgery.
A key feature of the program is its focus on preparation. Before surgery, patients attend a pre-admission clinic where they meet with physiotherapists, dietitians, nurses and speech pathologists. They receive a personalised plan that outlines how they can take an active role in their recovery.
High risk ERAS patients can also access prehabilitation exercise classes and free nicotine replacement therapy to support better outcomes.
Minister Stephen‑Smith said programs like ERAS are helping Canberra Health Services manage growing demand.
"By reducing complications and getting patients home earlier, ERAS is freeing up hospital beds so we can care for more people. It is good for patients and good for the health system," Minister Stephen Smith said.
Quotes attributable to Dr Andrew Deacon, ERAS Clinical Director:
"The program is delivering impressive results across all specialties. We are seeing reductions in readmission rates and strong improvements in recovery times.
"For vascular surgery patients, the median length of stay has decreased by one day and complications have reduced by 40%. For colorectal surgery patients, length of stay has decreased by two days from 10 to 8 days, and extended stays of more than 14 days have reduced by 36%."
Quotes attributable to Grace Hancock, ERAS Coordinator:
"The program is designed around a multidisciplinary, patient‑centred approach that encourages patients to take an active role in their recovery through tailored pre‑surgery education, early mobilisation, and setting daily post‑operative goals.
"We spend time talking through expectations, providing simple tools to help recovery and connecting patients with allied health support early."
Quotes attributable to Cinziana Tozzi, recent patient in the ERAS program:
"The program made a meaningful difference and was beneficial for my preparation and recovery of my colorectal surgery.
"Surgery can be frightening, but the support and information I received helped ease my anxiety.
"Everyone I encountered at Canberra Hospital was supportive and helpful. I would encourage anyone preparing for surgery to take part in the ERAS program if available."
