Questions raised over elective surgery delays at Adelaide hospitals

Health authorities insist politics played no part in their decision to delay non-urgent elective surgeries across Adelaide hospitals this week. 

The Opposition has questioned the timing of the announcement, which came three days after the Dunstan by-election.

"It's hard to see how it's not a coincidence when we know the government has been talking about this mounting pressure in our health system for the last couple of months," said Opposition Health Spokeswoman Ashton Hurn.

READ MORE: 'It was me or him' bikie tells court of gangland murder

However, Dr Robyn Lawrence, SA Health Chief Executive, maintained that the decision was solely based on what was best for the healthcare system.

"We took the decision based on the needs of the healthcare system and the needs of our acute patients," she said.

"It was not based on any political reason."

SA Health says hospital beds are at capacity, and it expects pressure to build over the Easter long weekend. 

The Doctors' Union says it first raised concerns about hospital overcrowding two weeks ago.  

Around 60 patients have been impacted by the two-day postponement.

They have been assured that their place in the waiting list will be retained.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.