The BHI's latest Healthcare Quarterly report found that both hospitals were performing above the state average for waiting times for all elective surgeries.

In the quarter from July to September 2020, Singleton and Muswellbrook hospitals were able to treat 100 per cent of surgeries across all urgency categories well within the recommended time-frame, according to the BHI.

The Upper Hunter hospitals were named alongside Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri as the best performing hospitals in the district for elective surgeries.

District Chief Executive Michael DiRienzo said he was pleased with the results and knows how hard staff have worked during the July to September quarter to get the district back to where it was prior to the height of COVID-19.

"This quarter came after the first wave of the pandemic, at a time where we were working hard to recommence elective surgery and transition safely back to a new normal," Mr DiRienzo said.

"Of the district's 15 hospitals captured in the report, it was fantastic to see five hospitals ranked perfectly for performing elective surgeries on time."

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Elective surgery National Cabinet's decision to pause non-urgent surgeries has impacted the number of patients who were on the district's waiting list and ready for their elective surgery or procedure.

Hospitals across the district worked hard to ensure almost every one of all 1,834 urgent elective surgeries were performed on time.

"As expected, patients who had waited longer for surgery due to the suspension began to receive their surgery in July to September 2020," Mr DiRienzo continued.

"This contributed to a decrease in the percentage of procedures performed within recommended time frames and an increase in waiting times, particularly at our larger hospitals.

"We are committed to providing the best possible care to our community and will continue to work on improvements and getting back to capacity to ensure all patients receive the care they need."

In the 2020-21 budget, the NSW Government invested an extra $458.5 million to fast-track elective surgeries which were delayed as a result of the Federal Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.