Doctors’ groups back gradual return of elective surgery
'Everyday disease' could pose more risk than COVID-19 if curbs on surgical procedures remain, says AMA Vice President Dr Chris Zappala
The AMA has warned that the fallout from COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgery could be worse than the disease itself if the curbs continue.
All category three and most category two surgeries were suspended from March, to conserve hospital staff and resources for COVID-19 cases.
The National Cabinet is due to discuss the resumption of elective surgery at a meeting on Tuesday.
AMA President Dr Tony Bartone says the association supports a gradual return to some elective surgeries in private hospitals, so long as there is adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedures that involve a high risk of COVID-19 transmission are avoided.
