Elective surgery has resumed across regional Victoria’s public and private hospitals and is to return to metropolitan Melbourne by the end of September.
State Premier, Daniel Andrews unveiled a plan for the staged resumption of elective surgery in line with broader roadmaps for reopening.
Mr Andrews said regional Victoria had increased elective surgery activity to 75 per cent of the usual amount yesterday (17 September), and was expected to operate at 85 per cent from 28 September.
“Hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne will begin to ramp up to 75 per cent of usual activity from 28 September when they enter the Second Step of the roadmap, and 85 per cent of usual activity when they move to the Third Step,” Mr Andrews said.
“All Victorian hospitals will move to 100 per cent of usual activity when the State moves to the Last Step to COVID Normal, planned for 23 November,” he said.
“We will also reinstate the elective surgery blitz as soon as it is safe to do so to catch up on the backlog.”
Mr Andrews said around 18,750 elective surgeries could be performed in October and an additional 10,500 in November.
He said further changes would mean easing restrictions for dental and allied health services in Melbourne from 28 September.
“Allied health professionals will be able to see patients for face-to-face services for a broader range of treatments than just preventing hospital admission,” the Premier said.
He said that during the Third Step, most dental and allied health services would be able to recommence with a COVIDSafe plan.
