Terms and definitions

Any healthcare professional.

Mental health services provided to Victorians not currently in hospital as inpatients.

Also known as heart bypass surgery.

A specialised hospital unit for patients with cardiac problems.

Examination of the bladder by inserting a tube into the urethra.

The Victorian Healthcare Experience Survey (VHES) asks patients about their experiences during their stay at a Victorian public health service, including their discharge experience. These responses form the discharge experience index.

Surgery that treats diseases and problems affecting the ears, nose, throat, head and neck.

Necessary surgery that can be delayed for at least 24 hours (based on the opinion of the treating clinician).

Collects planned surgery data (including waiting lists), from public health services in Victoria.

Hospital emergency departments provide urgent care for seriously injured and ill Victorians. Most are open 24 hours a day.

Surgical specialty focusing on the organs of the abdomen (e.g. stomach, intestines, gall bladder, liver and pancreas). General surgeons may also treat diseases of the skin and breast.

Surgical speciality focusing on women's reproductive organs and fertility.

The removal of haemorrhoids.

The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, illness, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.

An institution providing medical, surgical and nursing care for sick or injured people.