Due to an overwhelmed hospital system and anticipated high demand during the Easter long weekend, the state's metropolitan public hospitals have suspended non-urgent surgeries from midnight on Tuesday until midnight on Thursday. This decision aims to alleviate stress on the system.
All public metropolitan hospitals in Adelaide will postpone non-urgent surgeries (Category 2 and 3) during this period. However, emergency and urgent surgeries (Category 1), paediatric surgeries, and IVF procedures will continue as scheduled.
The South Australian Salaried Medical Officers Association acknowledges the critical situation facing the hospital system, particularly as it approaches the long weekend and Easter. While the cancellation of non-urgent surgeries may provide temporary relief, it is not a sustainable long-term solution.
The association emphasizes the need for discussions on workforce issues and long-term strategies to address the challenges facing the healthcare system, especially as the winter months approach.