Alarming data from the Bureau of Health Information's Healthcare Quarterly report has revealed what we already knew; the NSW Health system is buckling under pressure.
The October to December 2025 report revealed an alarming trend of the number of people leaving emergency departments before treatment increasing across the state and that is reflected in the data across the Northern Tablelands.
Demand at Armidale, Inverell, and Moree Hospitals has increased and more people are leaving emergency departments without treatment due to large wait times.
Nationals Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said the numbers reflect the significant decline in the availability of health services in regional areas under the Minns Labor Government.
The latest figures from the BHI shows there is something seriously wrong with our health system," Mr Moylan said.
"This is hardly news to any of us who live in the regions; we have been pushing for better health outcomes for a long time but this data is cold, hard evidence of how under pressure our hospitals are.
"Armidale Hospital has had a 67 per cent increase in people leaving emergency departments without treatment with a nearly three and a half hour wait time to see a doctor or nurse.
"At Inverell, more than seven per cent of people who present with a serious health concern are transferred to another hospital which then puts more pressure on that hospital.
"Our nurses and health care workers carry the burden of these numbers. They are under enormous pressure, they are overworked, and they deserve better."
Mr Moylan said if the government is serious about healthcare in regional NSW, there needs to be genuine investment to attract and retain staff to match the demand put on our hospitals.
