AGES COVID-19 Bulletin Board

Dear Members & Colleagues

On Wednesday the 22^nd of April the Federal Government announced that from Monday the 27^th April 2020, all Category 2 and some important Category 3 surgeries can recommence across the public and private sectors, specifically this includes:

• IVF
• Screening programs (cancer and other diseases)
• Post cancer reconstruction procedures (such as breast reconstruction)
• Procedures for children under 18 years of age
• Joint replacements (incl knees, hips, shoulders)
• Cataracts and eye procedures
• Endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures

In response to this Federal Government announcement AGES has released the following gynaecological surgical category tool for your reference.

We strongly encourage the responsible use of this increased capacity in a manner to preserve PPE and ensure that the health sector has the capacity to respond to surge demand from COVID-19 if required. We encourage surgeons aim to stay within the bounds of the “25% of current available capacity” limits. Respect and restraint at this stage will hopefully allow further relaxation soon down the track whereas flaunting the rules and limits will likely lead to tighter controls.

Stuart Salfinger
AGES President

**Please find the full document below, including a breakdown of the gynaecological surgical category**