Melbourne surgeon ‘really takes issue’ with Premier’s ‘accusations’

A Melbourne urologist says she “really takes issue” with Daniel Andrews’ suggestion that surgeons want the ban on elective surgery lifted so they can get back in the operating theatre.

Urologist Caroline Dowling says the Premier’s “accusation that we’re (surgeons) just out to be operating” is wrong, and patient health concerns are what’s fuelling a push for the Code Brown to be lifted.

“Of course … we love operating, we’re surgeons, that’s what we’re trained to do, but we do it within an ethical and patient-focused framework. I mean, I think most people would like their surgeon to enjoy what they do!,” she told Neil Mitchell.

Associate Professor Dowling says “there’s a lot of capacity in the system that’s not being used”.

She wants the state government to reconsider the blanket ban on surgeries.

“The waiting list is increasing in the public sector and the private sector and they need to give hospitals the independence to make practical decisions about resource allocation,” She said.

“I don’t think the Premier realises what’s going on in the health sector in terms of the resources we’re not using.”

Associate Professor Dowling’s comments come after leading orthopaedic surgeon Adrian Trivett yesterday called for the elective surgery ban to be lifted.

Press PLAY below to hear Caroline Dowling’s response to the Premier’s comments

Melbourne surgeon ‘really takes issue’ with Premier’s ‘accusations’

Leading surgeon says ‘unfair’ elective surgery ban is harming patients