During the COVID-19 pandemic many planned surgeries in Victoria were deferred to increase the health system's capacity to respond to the health emergency. This led to growing waiting lists. The COVID Catch-up Plan (the plan) aimed to improve the health system’s capacity to deliver planned surgeries and address the backlog from the pandemic. The Victorian Department of Health delivered the plan. 

This audit was conducted to see if the plan delivered its intended outcomes. It concludes that the plan increased the number of planned surgeries and reduced the backlog caused by the pandemic. It made two recommendations to address its findings. The department has accepted the recommendations in full or in principle. 

Key findings

• The department increased the number of planned surgeries and reduced the waiting list, but did not fully meet the plan's targets.
• The shortfall against the overarching target was mainly from the public-in-private initiative.
• The plan delivered additional facilities for planned surgeries, but their current and future impact on the health system's performance is unclear.