NSW: NSW defends decision to shut elective surgery at Xmas

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2004
NSW: NSW defends decision to shut elective surgery at Xmas

SYDNEY, Dec 20 AAP - NSW Health today defended its decision to stop elective surgery
over the Christmas period, saying it needed to prop up its strained emergency wards.

Director General Robyn Kruk said surgeons, support staff and patients generally preferred
to undergo elective surgery after the Christmas break.

She said the closure was about an increase in emergency admissions, rather than a lack of money.

"It's not a matter of just throwing money at surgery," Ms Kruk told a state budget
estimates hearing.

"If it was largely about money, it's an issue that would have been solved.

"We cannot ... affect our emergency demands."

Ms Kruk maintained NSW Health encouraged staff to take holidays over the Christmas
period so they would be rejuvenated in the New Year.

AAP bk/jb/lmc/sd

KEYWORD: HOSPITALS

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.