In accordance with section 68 of the Health Services Act 1997, patients may access elective surgery at a hospital other than their local hospital. Discussing available options for surgery may help suitable patients access surgery sooner where they are willing and able to travel.
The Northern Beaches Hospital Surgical Hub, NSW’s first dedicated surgical hub, opened on 1 July 2026. It provides high-quality planned surgery in purpose-built facilities and may offer shorter waiting times for clinically suitable patients. The hub initially provides Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynaecology, General and Urology surgery, with additional specialties and referral pathways to be expanded as the service grows.
Further information on the hub, including criteria, services and referral pathways are available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Hospitals/surgicalhub/Pages/default.aspx
If a GP is unsure which specialists provide a particular service, whether a procedure is available at a specific public hospital, or which doctors are accredited to practise at that facility, the planned surgery contact at each Local Health District or Specialty Health Network can provide advice. The statewide directory of surgery contacts is available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Performance/Pages/surgery-contacts.aspx
