The number of overdue surgeries has fallen dramatically in the Northern NSW Local Health District from 1606 in June 2022 to 194 in June 2025, a drop of 88 per cent. 

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP said the NSW Government has invested more than $200 million over the past year to further reduce the number of patients waiting longer than clinically recommended for planned surgeries. 

“Since the establishment of NSW Surgical Care Governance Taskforce in 2023, a range of innovative statewide strategies have been implemented to cut down wait times as well as improve and maintain access to planned surgery. 

“This includes the expansion of same-day surgery across NSW.  

“The Surgical Care Strategic Committee is continuing the work of the Taskforce to ensure public hospital surgical services in NSW are sustainable and patients can continue to access the care they need in the recommended timeframes. 

“I thank local staff for delivering these significant improvements, and I note that the Northern NSW Local Health District results are above the state average,” Ms Saffin said.

“While these improvements are promising, there is still more to be done, and we don’t want to see anyone waiting longer than they need for life-changing surgery.”