Surgical and anaesthetic services

As the population in the Bass Coast region grows, the demand for both elective and emergency surgery also increases. With advancements in surgical procedures, we can now treat an expanding range of conditions more effectively and safely. This increased safety has made surgery a more acceptable option for many people.

We are committed to treating all patients on our waiting list in a timely manner. Each patient is assigned a category of urgency by their surgeon, which influences their waiting time.

Category 1 - URGENT
Patients who require urgent surgery are typically admitted within 30 days.

Category 2 – SEMI-URGENT
Patients needing semi-urgent surgery are usually treated within 90 days.

Category 3 – NON-URGENT
Patients who require non-urgent surgery are usually treated within 365 days.

If your condition changes or worsens, please consult your General Practitioner, as your surgeon may adjust your urgency category accordingly.

We strive to ensure you receive timely treatment. While we aim for swift service, waiting times can sometimes be longer than desired. To address this, we are implementing several strategies, including more efficient use of hospital beds and operating theatres.

Although we aim to minimise Hospital Initiated Postponements, if your surgery is postponed, we will endeavour to reschedule within five working days.

At present, we provide a limited number of emergency general surgery procedures, with plans to grow and improve this service. Expanding this service will help more patients receive timely care closer to home and reduce the need for transfers to larger hospitals where appropriate.

Our pre-admission clinics ensure patients are fit and ready for surgery, reducing last-minute cancellations, and pre-surgery reminder calls help confirm appointments.

Pre-admission services ensure patients are thoroughly prepared for surgery through medical evaluations, diagnostic tests and consultations with surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals. These services aim to reduce patient anxiety, optimise surgical outcomes, and streamline the admission process.

By providing clear instructions and addressing any questions, pre-admission services enhance patient safety and contribute to a more efficient healthcare experience.

Surgery puts your body under a lot of pressure, so it's important to be as healthy as possible beforehand. This includes stopping smoking.

The longer you can go without smoking before your operation, the better. It lowers your risk of complications like infections, pneumonia, and slow wound healing. Even stopping just four weeks before your surgery can make a real difference to your recovery.

Quitting isn't easy, but you don't have to do it alone. Here's how to get help: 

• Talk to your GP, who can help you make a quitting plan 
• Call the Quitline on 13 78 48 to speak with a counsellor 
• See our Stop Smoking Support service for residents of the Bass Coast Region