Many West Australians could die long before they are able to undergo surgery for painful conditions, the Australian Medical Association (WA) said last week.
"That 31,000 people are waiting to even get in the queue for surgery is an indictment of our public health system when the Government is awash with money," said association President Dr Paul Skerritt.
"Many of these are elderly people who have been suffering chronic pain for years and need hip replacements and other surgical procedures, but can't even get to see a specialist.
"It is tragic that a large number will probably die long before they can get relief from their pain."
Dr Skerritt said that despite the queues for elective surgery and the never-ending pressure on over-crowded emergency departments, hospitals were still closing beds to save money.
In the last two weeks 30 beds had closed at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and another 60 at Royal Perth Hospital and Fremantle Hospital would be closed shortly for refurbishment.
"An opportunity to increase elective surgery and reduce pain and suffering for those on the waiting list has been lost. It's a callous disregard for the needs of patients.
"The Government thinks the flu season is over and they can now cut costs.
"But ED departments still have 20 to 30 patients every day waiting for beds and many people who were due to have elective surgery have been told the operation has been postponed."
Dr Skerritt said frustrated GPs throughout the State had patients waiting to see specialists.