High Volume Short Stay surgical services at Port Macquarie Base Hospital

LOCAL patients are set to benefit from expanded access to planned surgery, with new High Volume Short Stay surgical services being delivered at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s $30 million investment to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services across the state, helping patients across the Mid North Coast access planned procedures sooner and closer to home.

As part of the investment, short stay surgery models have been established at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, as well as hospitals across the wider Mid North Coast.

The funding has supported the Mid North Coast Local Health District to upgrade and invest in surgical equipment for a range of specialties, including orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and urology.

Pre-operative orthopaedic care has also been strengthened through additional physiotherapy services, including the Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis Program.

The program helps patients manage their condition, improve their function and prepare for surgery, supporting more timely access to treatment.

Across the Mid North Coast, the expanded services are expected to deliver an estimated 200 additional surgeries by 1 July 2027, helping reduce the surgery backlog and improve access to care for local patients.

High Volume Short Stay surgeries are planned procedures where patients are admitted to hospital for up to 72 hours, allowing appropriate patients to receive treatment while spending less time in hospital.

Mr Dwyer said the investment would make a practical difference for people waiting for planned surgery across the Port Macquarie region.

“Local patients deserve timely access to high quality healthcare, close to home.

“This investment is helping Port Macquarie Base Hospital expand its capacity to deliver planned surgery and gives more people the opportunity to receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

“The additional surgical equipment and improved pre-operative support will make a real difference for patients across our region, particularly those requiring orthopaedic, ENT and urological procedures.

“I welcome the continued investment in our local health services and the benefits it will deliver for patients and families across the Mid North Coast,” Mr Dwyer said.

The $30 million High Volume Short Stay investment builds on previous funding aimed at reducing overdue surgery and expanding surgical capacity across NSW.