In a significant turnaround, Wollongong Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) has improved its treatment times dramatically over the past year. According to data released by Health Minister Ryan Park, as of September 22, 2023, 86.3 percent of patients with potentially life-threatening conditions received timely care, a substantial increase from just 27.2 percent a year earlier.
The recent figures indicate that the ED has made notable strides in addressing the needs of patients requiring urgent treatment as well. For the same week, 82 percent of urgent category patients began treatment within the designated 30-minute timeframe, compared to only 20.8 percent in September 2022. Additionally, 95.9 percent of ambulance patients were transferred to ED staff within the necessary half-hour, reflecting an improvement of 30.7 percentage points from the previous year.
Factors Behind the Improvement
Minister Park attributed this turnaround to the dedicated efforts of hospital staff, who have worked tirelessly to address systemic issues that previously led to lengthy treatment delays. He emphasized, “What we’re seeing at Wollongong Hospital is progress that makes a real difference for patients, their families, and carers by ensuring they get the care they need, when they need it.”
Despite the positive data, challenges remain. The report did not account for the time patients spent in the ED, which has been extended due to the high number of individuals waiting for beds in aged care facilities. In August, patient Mick Nairn experienced a critical delay, awaiting surgery for appendicitis for two days, during which time his appendix ruptured.
During that period, 101 patients in the district’s hospitals had exceeded their discharge dates while waiting for aged care placements. Minister Park highlighted the ongoing strain on the healthcare system, noting, “We are seeing a significant escalation in the number of people waiting for Commonwealth aged care or NDIS placements in NSW public hospitals. Our hospital system was not designed for this.”
Future Plans and Enhancements
The Wollongong ED’s recent achievements have been celebrated as a reflection of the government’s commitment to enhancing emergency care. Plans are underway to expand the hospital’s Emergency Short Stay Unit (ESSU), increasing its capacity from 10 to 16 treatment spaces before the year’s end.
Additionally, the hospital has implemented concierge staff to assist medical personnel in managing patient flow and optimizing discharge processes. The Transit Lounge has also increased its capacity from 7 to 12 spaces, allowing for more patients to transition smoothly out of wards.
Minister Park reiterated the importance of these developments, stating, “We are investing in more staff, more pathways to care outside the hospital, lower wait times, and better patient outcomes. There’s more to do, but this is really important progress.”
As Wollongong Hospital continues to address both immediate and long-term challenges, the recent improvements in treatment times represent a vital step towards providing timely and effective emergency care to the community.
