Anaesthetists call for cautious return to elective surgery

Easing of restrictions on must be done 'safely' with adequate supplies of PPE for staff, insists ASA president Dr Suzi Nou
Australian Associated Press

Anaesthetists say easing elective surgery measures must be done with caution, including patients possibly undertaking quarantine before procedures.

All category three and most category two surgeries were suspended from last month to help hospitals deal with coronavirus cases. 

But the National Cabinet will discuss an easing of the restrictions when it meets next Tuesday.

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) says any lifting of measures must be done with caution so the hard work of social distancing isn’t undone.