This paper describes the design of a simulation model to provide decision support for the scheduling of patients waiting for elective surgery in the public hospital system. Patients nominated for surgery by doctors are categorised by urgency and type of operation. The simulation model can be used as an operational tool to match hospital availability and patient need. It can also be used to report upon the performance of the system, and as a planning tool to compare the effectiveness of alternative policies in this multi-criteria decision environment.