Half as many people are overdue for planned surgery in NSW compared with six months ago.
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The slashed waiting list comes after a team of experts found some common or high-volume procedures were unnecessarily undertaken with a one-night stay.
The number of people overdue for planned surgery in NSW exploded 15-fold in recent years, mainly due to widespread surgery suspensions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tweaks include making hernia repair, gallbladder removal and surgeries on sinuses and deviated septums same-day procedures by default.
Clinicians will still have the option to keep patients in overnight but will be required to actively make that call.
The Surgical Care Taskforce expanded eligibility for same-day surgeries and expanded the capacity for the public health system to conduct them.
Its interim report released on Thursday found 7010 people were waiting longer than clinically recommended for planned surgeries in September, down from 14,067 in March.
The changes increased convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes, the task force co-chair said.
"Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals," Professor Neil Merrett said in a statement.
"These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice."
The formation of the task force was one of Ryan Park's first decisions as health minister in March and a key priority.
"I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life-changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort," he said.
"We have brought together some of the state's leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state."
The task force will next examine the potential of making some knee and hip surgeries same-day, and aim to ensure a sustainable surgical service.
Initiatives would reduce wait times and demand for overnight beds, the government said.
Australian Associated Press
