Building on our previous results, the Discharge Optimisation for Planned Surgery project continues to deliver impact across Victoria.
This project aims to improve the discharge process for patients having surgery in Victoria. Current work is focused on four procedures:
- total knee and hip replacements
- mastectomies
- hysterectomies
- some general surgeries, such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.
Recent Quarter 2 results show an additional 1,048 bed days were saved. That is equivalent to enabling an additional 1,477 total hip or knee replacement surgeries. This brings the total bed days saved to 4432.5 in 18 months.
Some health services are now extending this approach into all orthopaedic surgeries, as well as into new surgical cohorts such as neurological, colorectal, and general surgery. This expansion reflects growing confidence in the model and its ability to support safer, more efficient, and patient-centred care.
We thank you the clinicians, project leads and health service teams driving this work forward.
