Hospital attendances rise during winter

Attendance at the Narrabri Hospital emergency department increased during winter months, latest data from the Bureau of Health Information shows.

The number of people who presented to the emergency department increased by seven per cent, above the wider Hunter New England Local Health District’s1.8 per cent.

Wait times for treatment at Narrabri were among the best in the health district, while the wider Hunter New England area was one of the worst performing districts in the state with poorer results experienced at larger hospitals including John Hunter, Tamworth, Armidale and Maitland.

While attendance at accident and emergency increased, hospital admissions for the same period decreased significantly by almost 30 per cent – a similar trend was experienced across many hospitals in the health district during the first quarter of the financial year.

The number of ambulance calls also slightly declined while other areas across NSW experienced an increase in call-outs. The number of surgeries carried out at Narrabri Hospital dropped from 36 in the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year to 28 in the same period in 2022/23. Narrabri Hospital was among the best performing in the health district for
surgeries performed on time.

Inverell was the worst performer, with only 50 per cent of surgeries performed on time.

The number of babies born at the hospital also declined, from 27 to 10 in the same corresponding period.

Chief executive of the Hunter New England Local Health District, Michael DiRienzo said figures revealed more than half of those presenting to emergency departments were not in need of life-threatening or critical care.

“We aim to see everyone who comes to our EDs as quickly as possible, but the most seriously unwell patients are always treated first and those with less urgent conditions may face a wait, especially when we’re busy,” Mr DiRienzo said.

“Despite the high demand and the challenges of furloughed staff, the majority of patients (65.5 per cent) in the reporting period started their treatment on time, which is in line with the state average.”

“We thank the community for their patience and apologise to those who have waited longer than usual in the ED during this period of high activity.

“We also continue to remind everyone to support us by saving emergency departments and ambulances for saving lives. If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage people to call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222, for a 24-hour telephone health advice.”