Several major Queensland hospitals have temporarily suspended elective surgeries due to a significant rise in flu and COVID-19 cases, which state leaders have described as “overwhelming” and “startling.”
On Wednesday, the Queensland Government confirmed that non-urgent procedures would be postponed for two days at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, and Caboolture Hospital — impacting around 185 patients.
While urgent category one surgeries will proceed, categories two and three — including procedures such as knee and hip replacements — have been put on hold to free up hospital beds.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said surgeries are expected to resume by Monday, provided case numbers remain stable.
“We’ve paused elective surgery to ensure we have space for emergency patients,” Nicholls explained.
“Reports show the situation has steadied overnight, but earlier this week we saw a major spike — over 100 patients at both Redcliffe and Caboolture hospitals around 9:30pm.”
He urged anyone experiencing a medical emergency to call Triple 0, assuring that emergency departments remain operational and ready to provide care.
Further Delays Possible as Flu Season Intensifies
Nicholls said Queensland Health is closely monitoring the situation and may extend surgery delays if hospitalisations rise.
“We’re seeing similar surges in places like Rockhampton, Gladstone and Ipswich,” he noted.
Last week, over 250 people were admitted with the flu, with average daily numbers sitting around 169 for flu patients and 150 for COVID-related admissions.
Adding to the pressure are staff shortages, as healthcare workers are falling ill.
“Our doctors and nurses are also being hit by flu, affecting shift rosters. Hospitals are doing a remarkable job under very challenging conditions,” Nicholls said.
He described the 2025 winter flu season as one of the most difficult in recent memory, noting that 90% of flu patients admitted are unvaccinated.
Public and Healthcare Workers Respond
Some patients and frontline staff believe the pause in surgeries should be extended beyond two days.
Lou, a patient at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, said:
“I waited seven hours in emergency. It’s crowded, staff are exhausted. They should delay surgeries longer.”
Nursing students Sarah and Gina, currently on placement at RBWH, expressed concerns about the effect on their training.
“We were hoping to gain surgical experience. It’s disappointing but we understand the need,” Sarah said.
“Getting vaccinated is essential — it’s preventable,” Gina added.
Health Minister Urges Flu Vaccination
Nicholls stressed that the best way to relieve pressure on the health system is for Queenslanders to get their flu shots.
“We’ve invested $25 million in free flu vaccines — there’s no good reason not to get it,” he said.
He added that the vaccines, available since May 1, are safe and could prevent hospitalisation.
Between January and April this year, 581 Australians died from COVID-19 and 180 from the flu.
Nicholls emphasized:
“The flu season isn’t over — it’s not too late to get vaccinated. It protects you, your family, and the community.”
Queensland Health is currently contacting affected patients to reschedule their surgeries.
Explanation of key changes:
- Grouped content into clear sections for better flow and readability.
- Simplified and formalized language for professional tone.
- Removed redundancy and clarified timelines and data points for accuracy and accessibility.
