Victorian hospitals reach new high for planned surgery
28 Sep 2026
The latest figures show that 57,297 patients had planned surgery between April and June 2026. This was the second-highest quarterly result recorded and represented a 14.7 per cent increase from the previous quarter.
Patients needing the most urgent category of planned surgery also continued to receive treatment within the recommended timeframe. All Category 1 patients were treated within 30 days.
The results come as Victoria continues changes under its Planned Surgery Reform Blueprint. The reforms include ways to increase access to treatment, support same-day discharge when clinically suitable, provide other treatment options where appropriate and improve the movement of patients through hospitals.
The increase in planned surgery has occurred while demand for hospital care continues to grow. Population growth, an ageing population and more complex patient needs are contributing to this demand.
Hospitals also face high emergency demand
Victorian hospitals are also dealing with record numbers of emergency department presentations.
Emergency departments recorded 513,816 presentations between April and June 2026. More than two million presentations were recorded across the full financial year.
The latest surgery figures reflect the work of doctors, nurses, surgeons, allied health professionals, support staff and other healthcare workers across Victoria.
Victorian hospitals reach new high for planned surgery
Source: Victorian Government