Ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology and cataract extraction surgeries once had a waiting time of nine to 10 months at the hospital, Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly data shows.

But, these wait times have since dropped – from 278 days to 86 days for ear, nose and throat, from 304 days to 203 for ophthalmology, and from 304 down to 205 days for cataract extraction surgery.

Bathurst Hospital general manager Sue Patterson said she was very pleased with the results from the most recent BHI data from January to March, 2017.

The data continues a good run of BHI results for Bathurst Hospital.

“Ear, nose and throat has been a significant focus in terms of trying to get rid of the long wait list,” she said.

Ms Patterson said the additional scheduled surgery times at the hospital were the reason behind the reduction in patient waiting times.

“In terms of young children it can affect their hearing that in terms of schooling it’s really important to get it done as soon as possible so it doesn’t effect their academic performance,” she said.

Ms Patterson said additional surgeries for ophthalmology and cataract extraction were also scheduled to help reduce patient waiting times.

A significant increase in surgical waiting time, however, was recorded for people waiting for inguinal  herniorrhaphy (hernia procedures) at the hospital.

Ms Patterson said a continuing recruiting drive would help ease the strain.

“We’re already advertising for a general surgeon to come on because we know that we need another surgeon,” Ms Patterson said.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Health Information data also revealed average waiting time in the Bathurst Hospital’s emergency department, with all triage categories below the state average.

Emergency patients (chest pain or severe burns) waited an average of just six minutes for treatment, this is below the state average of eight minutes.

For patients with urgent medical conditions (moderate blood loss or dehydration) they waited an average of 15 minutes.

The state average is 20 minutes.

While semi-urgent cases (sprained ankle or earache) had a median wait time of 16 minutes, compared to a NSW average of 26 minutes.

The wait time averaged 13 minutes in Bathurst for non-urgent patients (small cuts or abrasions), compared to 23 minutes statewide.