1400 hospital beds sit empty: report

More than 1400 Victorian hospital beds are empty as a result of a mismatch between demand and supply.

A review of the state's hospital system has also found 53 operating theatres not being used.

Former Australian Medical Association Victoria president Doug Travis's interim review reveals extra capacity within the system unutilised.

"The underlying problem in my opinion is a mismatch between capacity building, demand distribution and resource allocation," he told reporters on Wednesday.

Dr Travis said people needing hospital stays weren't necessarily in the same place as the empty beds.

He recommended a state-wide plan for maximising the use of beds and operating theatres.

"That is a mammoth undertaking and likely to take a couple of years," he said.

In the meantime, Dr Travis welcomed the state government's $200 million fund to open up unused beds and operating theatres to ensure more people are getting hospital care.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said Dr Travis' interim report was the most comprehensive review of Victorian hospital beds ever undertaken.

"We're going to use this data to ensure we fund the right type of beds in the right health services so Victorians get the care they need, where and when they need it," Ms Hennessy said.

Dr Travis made a number of recommendations about how to better use Victoria's hospital beds and operating theatres but they would be announced at the May 5 budget.

Dr Travis will present his final report by the end of June.