NSW emergency departments see surge in patient walkouts

A new report indicates that more people are leaving emergency departments (EDs) in New South Wales (NSW) without treatment than before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last quarter of 2024, over 67,000 patients left EDs before receiving care, an increase of 12,000 compared to 2019. Most of those who left were classified as semi-urgent, dealing with issues like sprained ankles or earaches. Alarmingly, about a third were categorized as urgent, including individuals with serious conditions like moderate blood loss or dehydration. Experts are concerned that this trend shows a failure in the healthcare system to meet rising patient needs. Rachael Gill, from the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, called the situation “deeply concerning.” She noted that the rise in patients leaving without treatment signifies deeper issues within the healthcare structure. Kathryn Austin, president of the Australian Medical Association NSW, shared similar worries, especially regarding patients with urgent conditions who may worsen if not treated quickly. Patients typically leave EDs without treatment on Monday nights. Young adults aged 15 to 29 are the most common group seen doing this. Health Minister Ryan Park emphasized that EDs should focus on urgent cases, suggesting that non-urgent patients should use community health services instead. The report also highlighted an increase in patients waiting for elective surgeries, with numbers rising by 13% since last year, totaling over 100,000. The waiting time for surgeries has contributed to growing frustration among patients and healthcare workers alike. Park acknowledged improvements in ambulance ramping times, where ambulances spend less time waiting outside hospitals to transfer patients. However, challenges remain as the healthcare workforce faces strain and insufficient resources. Doctors and nurses in NSW continue to report high levels of pressure due to these ongoing issues.