Surgical waitlists in regional Victoria stretch to five years, patients demand
Patients waiting years for surgery demand candidates cut waitlists now, not promise future rebuilds.
Vicki Lancaster has been waiting three years for surgery and faces at least two more. Vicki has struggled with mental health and attempted suicide twice.
Vicki's knee has deteriorated from a car crash and she struggles to walk around the block. Sue Somers broke her arm in a fall in July 2025, waited three weeks for surgery and had to go private in Melbourne.
The delay contributed to complications. She now has limited arm movement despite physiotherapy.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians warned that regional Victorians face the keenest pressure from Victoria's overstressed health system. Patients report long waits, limited access to specialists and the need to travel to Melbourne for care.
Ahead of the Benambra election on November 28, candidates are being asked what they will do for patients suffering now. The Border Mail is hosting a candidate forum on November 11.
Why it mattersLong surgical waitlists in regional areas lead to pain, disability and mental health crises while patients wait. Voters want action now, not promises of changes years away.
AustraliaRegional Victoria's health system is failing patients, with surgery waits stretching to five years. The issue is shaping the Benambra election and may influence health policy across rural Australia.
