AMA opposes elective surgery shutdown during APEC summit in Sydney
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is at odds with the New South Wales government over the impact of canceling elective surgery at Sydney hospitals during the APEC summit.
The change is part of the Health Department’s plan to quieten down the health system in readiness for any potential disasters during APEC.
Hospitals have been asked to cancel elective surgery on the APEC public holiday on 7 September but some have opted to delay non-emergency surgery for the whole five days of the summit.
Acting Health Minister, David Campbell, says the public has always been told there would be disruptions to services during the summit, but delays will be kept to a minimum.
“This is a planned event and will take account of people’s clinical needs,” he said.
The head of the New South Wales Health counter disaster unit, Greg Rochford, says on the Friday emergency departments will remain open but non-emergency surgery will not be operating.
