Elective surgery

Elective surgery in NSW

In New South Wales (NSW), on time elective surgery performance remains strong and is one of the best in the country. The surgery team in the NSW Ministry of Health works in partnership with Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks to maintain and improve access to elective surgery.

We aim to:

support the efficient management of surgery waiting lists
action enquiries through the Surgery Access Line (call 1800 053 456 during business hours)
ensure the people of NSW have predictable and timely access to the surgical services they need through both elective and emergency surgery streams.

Information for patients, carers and families

Before deciding to have surgery, it’s important to understand the risks of surgery and what non-surgical and surgical options are available to you. Safer Care Victoria have developed some resources to help guide you in discussions with your healthcare team in this first stage in your journey.

Once you and your healthcare team have agreed that surgery is the best option, the following resources answer many of the frequently asked questions received by NSW Health.

Diagram - The Patient journey to surgery sets out the three key stages in getting to surgery.
Fact sheet - How do I join an elective surgery waitlist at a NSW public hospital?
Fact sheet - I've been waitlisted for elective surgery - what happens next?
Fact sheet - I've been given a date for my elective surgery - what happens next?