24 February 2004

$20 Million Package Delivers 3000 More Operations

NSW Minister for Health Morris Iemma said the $20 million elective surgery package announced today would provide an extra 3073 operations to people across the State.

The package includes:

• $3.4 million for 1735 more cataract operations;
• $12.1 million for 903 more knee replacements;
• $3.4 million for 257 more hip replacements; and
• $0.67 million for 178 more gall bladder procedures.

"We are focusing on procedures where demand is high and the outcome can be a remarkable improvement in quality of life," Mr Iemma said.

"This funding will ensure that more people over the next 18 months will experience life-changing surgery.

"For example, cataract surgery is a relatively simple procedure but the benefits to a person's lifestyle are immeasurable," Mr Iemma said.

"Similarly, we've allocated more than $15.5 million to perform an extra 1160 orthopaedic procedures.

"While average waiting times for elective surgery are improving, growing pressures on public hospitals increasingly lead to longer waits for non-urgent elective surgery.

"This $20 million package is about improving access to health care services particularly for people who have been waiting long periods to undergo their procedure," Mr Iemma said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au