New data confirms record numbers of elective surgery and endoscopies

New reports released today by the Tasmanian Government have once again confirmed our significant investment is delivering record volumes of elective surgeries and endoscopies across the Tasmanian health system.

The Delivering our Endoscopy Services Plan: Year 1 Progress Report shows 13,394 endoscopies were delivered in the first year of the Government’s Statewide Endoscopy Services Four Year Plan 2023-2027.

This is a record number of endoscopies delivered in a financial year, exceeding the annual target by 3 per cent, while the report also shows average wait time for patients were reduced.

The Delivering our Elective Surgery Plan: Year 3 Progress Report confirms 22,196 elective surgeries were delivered in the 2023-24 financial year, which is another record number of elective surgeries for the second year running. 

The Progress Report also shows notable improvements in surgical speciality waiting lists including orthopaedic, paediatric, cardiothoracic and neurosurgery.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the elective surgery wait lists have reduced by more than 4,000 since its peak in January 2021 during the pandemic, despite the increase in demand.

“This is more proof that our significant investment in elective surgeries and endoscopies is driving down the wait lists and delivering results for Tasmanians, with more people getting the care they need sooner," said Minister Barnett. 

“I would like to recognise our dedicated doctors, nurses and health professionals for their hard-work day in, day out on the frontline that has enabled us to deliver record volumes of elective procedures in the midst of record levels of demand.

“Importantly, our four-year plans for elective surgery and endoscopy are also building capacity within the public and private sectors, to sustain this momentum into the future – with the number of elective surgeries delivered in our public hospitals increasing by more than 7 per cent compared to the previous year, boosting capacity in the public system.

“We expect to see continued improvements in service delivery in the year ahead as further benefits are realised from our clinically led initiatives. 

“This includes the continued implementation of our hospital masterplans to provide our skilled staff with the infrastructure they need, such as the new surgical and endoscopy facilities that recently came online at the Mersey Community Hospital and a new surgical robot that will be delivered at the Launceston General Hospital next year.

“It also includes ongoing initiatives such as our digital health transformation and health workforce strategies, which will ensure we have the systems and specialist medical staff we need to provide these essential procedures.

“There’s no doubt that increasing demand does present challenges, but we are taking action where we can and I am confident that under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we will continue to see positive results for Tasmanians.”

The Delivering our Endoscopy Services Plan: Year 1 Progress Report is available here. 

The Delivering our Elective Surgery Plan: Year 3 Progress Report is available here.