THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD).
The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025.
There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in the same reporting period in 2024.
However, the number of patients presenting with triage category 2 cases (emergency) and category 3 (urgent) increased by 8.4 percent (1333) and 4.2 percent (1425) respectively.
These figures are the highest since BHI began reporting in 2010.
“Our frontline staff continue to deliver safe, high-quality care during a busy period with unplanned sickness and recruitment challenges,” HNELHD Chief Executive Tracey McCosker said.
“I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and collaboration, especially during the winter cold and flu season.
“The decrease in ED presentations for triage categories 4 (semi-urgent) and 5 (non-urgent), compared with the same quarter in 2024, is a positive sign that the community is accessing GPs or Healthdirect more regularly.
“We’re always looking at strategies to improve our facilities and patient experience.
“We continually monitor patient flow to identify those who can be safely discharged and return home as quickly as possible.”
During the quarter, 1883 urgent and 3194 semi-urgent surgeries were performed, an increase of 17.8 percent (285) and 25.8 percent (655) respectively, compared with the same quarter in 2024.
Ms McCosker said the increase in surgical activity is a result of more efficient models of care and better collaboration with facilities.
“We continue to use some of our smaller hospitals, when appropriate, to ensure patients receive the care they need, or can be safely transferred closer to home to recover.
“The demand for urgent care continues to grow, and we’re working hard to reduce all waitlists and ensure timely access to surgery.”
NSW Nurses and Midwives Association General Secretary Shaye Candish, said the data demonstrates nurses and midwives are working increasingly harder with limited resources.
“Triage one, two and three presentations in the ED have increased considerably this quarter, highlighting the rise in patient acuity our members experience on a daily basis,” he said.
As our EDs get busier, staffing ratios will be crucial to keep both staff and patients safe and to ensure quality care can be provided.”
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites, said more investment in public healthcare was desperately needed.
“The BHI data shows there are still almost 95,000 patients on the elective surgery waitlist.
“In order to bring these down permanently, we must see the federal government contribute more funding to the states – they can’t do it alone.”
If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour advice.
Patients who feel their condition has deteriorated while awaiting surgery are encouraged to contact their treating doctor who can upgrade their urgency category if appropriate.
BHI quarterly reports are based on patient surveys and can be found at bhi.nsw.gov.au/BHI_reports/healthcare_quarterly/Jul-Sep2025.
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