The Minns Labor Government is continuing to relieve pressure on busy emergency departments with $130.7 million being invested to further expand short stay units aimed at improving wait times.
Public hospitals across NSW will be able to treat an estimated additional 22,000 patients per year, as part the investment to further expand Emergency Department Short Stay Units (EDSSU) at hospitals experiencing high demand and patient flow pressures.
This will deliver 22 additional treatment spaces in 2026-27 across six hospitals - Campbelltown, Nepean, Maitland, John Hunter, St George and Wyong and up to an additional 8 treatment spaces in 2027-28, with locations to be determined. This is in addition to 6 EDSSU treatment spaces recently announced to expand the unit at Westmead Hospital bringing the total number of spaces there to 21.
EDSSUs provide short-term assessment, observation and treatment for patients who require a period of further care following their initial emergency department assessment. Most patients are expected to either return home or transition to another care setting within four to 24 hours.
Patients with minor head injuries, infections or those needing a brief course of treatment for conditions likely to resolve quickly such as allergic reactions and renal colic are commonly treated in short stay units.
By providing short-term care in a dedicated setting, EDSSUs help improve patient flow by reducing prolonged stays in emergency departments and support more timely access to care.
NSW public hospitals have recorded more than half a million EDSSU admissions since January 2024. These admissions demonstrate the important role ED Short Stay Units play in supporting patient flow, reducing pressure on emergency departments and providing timely access to care.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $11.9 billion to deliver 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 additional beds and treatment spaces across the state.
It comes after the Coalition failed to deliver enough beds at some of the busiest hospitals in the nation including Blacktown and Mount Druitt, as well as leaving Western Sydney missing an entire hospital after it failed to build the new Rouse Hill Hospital which it promised at three elections.
The investment builds on the record increase in health funding in the 2026-27 State Budget, ensuring new hospitals are backed by the staff and services needed to care for patients.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
"Our emergency departments are under constant and sustained pressure, regardless of the time of year.
"The addition of the short stay units is expected to take some stress off our busiest EDs, and we know we've had some success with these units across the state including the ones we expanded at Campbelltown, Maitland, Wyong and Wollongong Hospitals.
"At hospitals which already have a short stay unit in the ED we're seeing patients with semi-urgent conditions treated and back home quicker without needing to be admitted to a traditional ward in most cases."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Our emergency departments continue to face significant challenges, after the Coalition failed to build enough hospitals and beds in some of the highest growth areas in the country.
"The Emergency Department Short Stay Units across NSW help to enhance ED capacity, streamline patient flow, and improve patient experience. I'm proud to see these services further expanding across the state, delivering more timely, person-centred care.
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering record investments for more hospitals, more beds, and more staff for communities that need them most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper:
"This is fantastic news for the community of Rockdale. St George Hospital is one of the busiest in the state, and this investment will help more patients get the care they need sooner while easing pressure on our emergency department.
"The Minns Labor Government is delivering record investment in our hospitals, with more beds, more capacity and better care for communities like St George."
