Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) has been commended by the Victorian government in their efforts to conduct nearly 3000 planned surgeries in the past financial year, helping the state set a record number of surgeries for the second year running.

More than 212,000 surgeries were delivered at public hospitals statewide including 2987 at NHW for patients across the region.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said NHW's hard-working staff helped more locals get the care they needed, sooner and closer to home.

NHW chief executive officer, Libby Fifis, said the hospital acknowledged the outstanding efforts of its surgical teams in delivering a high number of planned surgeries across the North East.

“Our Patient Support Unit plays a vital role in preparing patients for surgery,” she said.

“They ensure scheduling is aligned with the Department of Health’s Planned Surgery Access Policy and that patients are ready for care by their scheduled date.”

A record-breaking 58,264 patients statewide received planned surgery in the last quarter – a 13 per cent rise compared to pre-pandemic levels – with the overall waitlist down 3.7 per cent since last quarter.

This quarter, all Category 1 patients continued to be treated within the recommended time, and median wait times for Category 2 and 3 patients improved by five and 25 days, respectively, from the same quarter last year.

Victoria’s emergency departments faced record demand last quarter, with more than 513,200 presentations.

The state’s paramedics continue to face significant winter demand, responding to more than 98,000 lights and sirens cases, averaging almost 1100 cases every day.