IVF backflip exposes crisis in elective surgery

When state governments pause elective surgeries - to free resources to handle covid cases - it’s a huge deal to people waiting for those surgeries. Elective surgeries include any procedure that doesn’t need to be done within 24 hours. That includes some cancer procedures, even brain surgery – and these procedures are not luxury options

We were all moved by Melanie Swieconek, who posted a teary video on Instagram after the Victorian government cancelled IVF treatment as part of its Covid elective surgery bans. Melanie basically changed the government’s mind. We’re also joined by Dr Chris Moy, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association who explains what needs to happen to clear the massive backlog of cases.

Dr Moy’s comparison to bushfire recovery is a reminder we still have a long way to go to beat Covid and for life to return to normal.

Today's Headlines

• Calls for Minister who called PM 'psycho' to be outed

• Roberts-Smith defamation hearing resumes

• Colbeck defends going to the cricket

• Grace Tame speaks out on not smiling with PM

• Hospitality and retail staff shortages not being filled

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