The ACT Government is launching a four-year plan to significantly boost elective surgeries, targeting 60,000 procedures and increasing operating theatre capacity in public hospitals.

Despite recent challenges affecting elective surgeries, Canberra Health Services is on track to achieve a record number of elective surgeries this fiscal year. The 2024-25 ACT Budget includes additional funding to assist surgical teams across the territory and promote the expansion of surgical services.

Critical infrastructure improvements include expanded endoscopy suites at North Canberra Hospital and new operating theatres in the Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital. These upgrades will enhance emergency surgery capabilities and overall elective surgery capacity.

The plan also involves extending theatre hours into evenings and weekends, increasing inpatient surgical beds, and collaborating with private facilities to offer an extra 300 cataract surgeries.

Next year's ACT Budget allocates a record $2.6 billion to healthcare, including $52.7 million specifically for the elective surgery initiative. This investment will support various health services, including care for the elderly, rehabilitation, neonatal services, and expanded maternity care.