NSW boosts surgery capacity by 2,300 cases in fast-track expansion
NSW invests $30 million in fast-track surgery programs to cut waiting lists by 2,300 planned operations by July 2027.
Shellharbour Hospital has launched a high-volume short-stay surgery service to cut long waiting lists across NSW. The service handles procedures where patients stay 72 hours or less.
These include routine work like ear, nose and throat surgery, gynaecology, orthopaedics and eye procedures. These make up more than 80 percent of public hospital operations.
The hospital is expected to perform 130 such surgeries by July 2027 as part of a $30 million state expansion. NSW predicts the full rollout will deliver 2,300 extra surgeries across the state by the same timeframe.
Shellharbour's waiting lists have improved. By June 2026, only 125 patients were waiting longer than recommended.
This was 31 fewer than the same time in 2025. The hospital completed 95 percent of planned surgeries on time in the latest quarter.
This is well above the state average of 85.6 percent.
- 30 million dollars
- State investment
- 2,300 extra by July 2027
- Target surgeries statewide
- 130 surgeries by July 2027
- Shellharbour target
- 125 by June 2026
- Patients waiting too long at
Why it mattersShorter waits mean faster access to surgery and less time in pain for patients needing routine procedures.
AustraliaNSW patients facing elective surgery waits will see faster access to common procedures, with the Illawarra region particularly benefiting.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
