The horrifying number of Australians waiting for elective surgery

More than half a million Australians are expected to be waiting for elective surgery by the middle of this year.

New data from the Australian Medical Association shows waiting lists have hit record levels.

The backlog was 306,000 six months ago and is set to hit 508,000 if things don’t change.

AMA President, Professor Steve Robson, says hospitals are struggling to cope with a backlog that have been exacerbated by COVID disruptions.

“This has to be addressed urgently,” he said.