NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) has begun planning for the reactivation of Category 2 and 3 elective surgeries to coincide with the deactivation of 'code brown' across the state.

The State Government announced a $1.4 billion package to ensure doctors, nurses and paramedics have the resources and support they need to continue caring for Victorians at home or in a hospital.

Public hospitals will share in $938 million to help cover coronavirus–related costs, support dedicated front–line workers and continue surge payments for healthcare staff.

The State Government initiated code brown for hospitals on January 19 – expected to last 4–6 weeks – to help hospitals better cope with the pressures brought on by the pandemic such as positive in–patients and sta...