NSW patients waiting to have low-risk surgeries or caesarean births in Canberra will now be able to have the procedures at their local hospitals under a move expected to cut waiting lists in the territory.
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Health Minister Simon Corbell said the new arrangement was a step towards reducing pressure on the territory's health system in areas of gynaecology, obstetrics and general surgery.
The agreement between ACT Health and the Southern NSW Local Health District will be announced on Thursday and will allow some low-risk elective surgeries and caesarean births for NSW-based patients to be performed in Queanbeyan and Bega hospitals instead of the ACT.
Mr Corbell said the arrangement would mean cross-border patients would now be able to have surgery closer to home.
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner said the new arrangement aimed to improve patient access for elective surgeries and low-risk and planned caesareans.
The NSW government has a funding agreement with the ACT to provide health services for NSW patients in the territory.
Services and resources, including medical and nursing staff, under the new arrangement will be funded by the NSW government.
Up to 300 patients will be able to have surgery in NSW by July and about 660 patients next financial year.
