‘Needless’ ban on some elective surgeries to have ‘devastating’ impact on health

A vascular surgeon has welcomed news IVF can resume in Victoria, but says there are many other medical procedures that should also be able to start again after being shut down by government.

Dr Susan Morris told Neil Mitchell the government’s ban on elective surgery following the declaration of a Code Brown was “devastating” and would have serious long-term impacts on patient health.

She said it was needless, given they “won’t be able to help in any way” with COVID patient management.

“There needs to be more understanding of the health system,” Dr Morris said.

She said patients and staff were “really suffering” since the announcement.

“As doctors, we are finding it very distressing that we can’t help patients, because we aren’t allowed to,” Dr Morris said.

Press PLAY below to hear her explain

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