Wait times for overdue elective surgeries have been slashed for children in NSW after more than 1000 were left for too long without planned procedures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The state's biggest children's hospitals reported a 92 per cent reduction in overdue surgeries in the past nine months, which the government credited to the work of a surgical task force.
Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick and The Children's Hospital at Westmead reduced the number of children exceeding the clinically recommended time for planned surgery from 1091 to 86 since the task force was established.
The hospitals also had a 98 per cent reduction in the number of children waiting longer than clinically recommended for a semi-urgent surgery, according to state government figures released on Wednesday.
For non-urgent planned surgery, the number of children waiting longer than clinically recommended fell by 89 per cent.
All urgent planned surgeries were performed on time.
Regular co-ordination with surgeons, extended operating times, employing locum doctors to assist with specialty surgeries and working with private hospitals in addressing overdue waitlists all helped with the improvements.
Health Minister Ryan Park said he was pleased with the results but more needed to be done.
"This has made a significant difference for the children and families relying on care," he said.
Sydney Children's Hospital director of clinical operations Alan Porritt said he had no doubt the changes had made a significant difference for patients and their families.
Australian Associated Press
