Planned surgery wait times dramatically reduced by Minns taskforce

A backlog in planned surgery wait times has been dramatically reduced after a dedicated taskforce by the NSW government.

The Surgical Care Governance Taskforce, introduced in March last year, has unclogged the list of 14,000 patients awaiting planned surgery, now reduced to 2000.

Planned surgeries (formerly known as elective surgeries) cover everything from knee replacements to sinus surgery.

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While there are still patients waiting for planned surgeries, 83.6 per cent are being performed on time, according to data from the Bureau of Health Information's quarterly report.

Almost all (99.5 per cent) of emergency elective procedures are being performed on time, the report also says.

The backlog came from pressure on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As a result of this intervention we've made a difference for thousands of people in NSW," Premier Chris Minns said.

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The taskforce introduced changes within both the private and public sectors, Health Minister Ryan Park said.

"[The changes] included same-day surgery, extending the hours of our operating theatres, including ensuring we have strong partnerships with our private hospitals, working together with our front-line surgeons, clinicians and nursing staff," Park said.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Minns government was benefiting from "the result of the Coalition's record investment in health in NSW".

The government says it will now focus on improving the efficiency of emergency departments.