General News
1 August, 2026
Hospital declares Code Yellow
IN a statement issued earlier this week, South West Healthcare declared a ‘Code Yellow’ following a sustained period of very high demand for hospital care.
According to hospital chief executive Craig Fraser, a code yellow is an internal escalation.
This brings the healthcare’s senior clinical and operational teams together several times a day to review every patient, to keep people moving safely through their care, and to direct extra staff to the areas under the most pressure.
The statement read as follows:
South West Healthcare had made the difficult decision to reschedule a small number of less urgent planned surgeries so our teams can continue providing care to patients with life-threatening emergencies and who are seriously unwell in hospital.
The decision has not been made lightly.
We understand and appreciate that patients put arrangements in place with family, friends and carers to attend surgery, and sincerely apologise for this inconvenience.
At present, our hospital is caring for a high number of patients who are unwell and continue to need inpatient care.
We continue to closely monitor this, including assisting patients to return home with SWH services where appropriate.
When patients are unable to leave hospital, fewer beds are available for people coming in for planned surgery.
To ensure every patient receives safe, high-quality care, we have had to postpone a small number of less urgent procedures.
Wherever possible affected patients will be contacted before their fasting period begins.
Their surgery will be rescheduled within the clinically recommended timeframe, and they do not need to contact the hospital.
Our team will reach out directly if their procedure is affected.
Day procedures are continuing as planned at this stage.
This may change in the coming days and we will contact any patient affected directly.
We ask anyone who is due to have surgery with South West Healthcare to keep their mobile phone nearby and ensure they are contactable in the 48 hours before their scheduled procedure.
Mr Fraser acknowledged that postponing surgery can be upsetting, and he apologised for people and their families who are affected.
“We are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by our patients and the wider community,” he said.
“These temporary changes allow our staff to care for those who need urgent treatment while ensuring everyone continues to receive high-quality care.
“While we hope this situation eases in upcoming days, we are planning on the basis that it may continue for some time. I can assure the community our teams are reviewing every option every day, and they are doing everything they can to ensure people access the care they need. If you need us, we are still here.”
Mr Fraser thanked South West Healthcare staff, saying they were doing an incredible job to provide care during this busy time.
“If you need care, please remember if you need us we are still here and you can still attend ED,” he said.
“If you or someone you care for has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury, call Triple Zero (000) or come to the Emergency Department. Please do not delay seeking emergency care.
“If your condition is urgent but not life threatening, other options may see you sooner.”
This includes your GP or local pharmacist for advice and treatment of everyday health concerns; Warrnambool Urgent Care Clinic on 9975 8403 (3 Banyan Street, Warrnambool) for minor injuries and illnesses such as cuts, sprains, minor burns and infections.
As this clinic is not operated by South West Healthcare, Mr Fraser urged residents to check current opening hours at warrnamboolucc.com.au as these currently vary.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, a free online service staffed by emergency doctors and nurses, is also available at vved.org.au, along with Nurse On Call on 1300 60 60 24 for free health advice, 24 hours a day.
Other options include 1800 Medicare on 1800 633 424, the Virtual Women’s Health Clinic 1300 003 224 or the Maternal Child Healthline 13 22 29.
“Please also help us by holding off visits to friends and family in hospital if you are unwell with respiratory symptoms, so that we may protect our patients from further illness,” Mr Fraser said.
* In a 24-hour period to Tuesday, 86 patients were treated in the emergency department (14 admitted to a hospital bed); four critically unwell patients were transferred overnight to specialist services elsewhere in the state; five new babies were welcomed; 16 patients were supported in their safe return home; and theatres continued to run with 31 procedures going ahead for patients whose surgery could not safely wait.
