A new Emergency Department Short Stay Unit is now open at Grafton Base Hospital, providing faster access to emergency care for the Grafton community.
Operational funding delivered as part of the record $10.3 billion boost to health services in the Minns Labor Government's 2026-27 Budget has supported the unit to open its doors and begin caring for patients.
The six-bed Grafton Base Hospital ED short stay unit opened earlier this month and is designed to enhance patient experience in the emergency department.
Short stay units are intended for patients requiring short-term care, observation or investigation to determine the severity of their condition, such as minor head injury and infections or for those needing a brief course of treatment for conditions likely to resolve quickly.
The unit will support earlier treatment and discharge, reduce the length of time patients spend in ED, help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and improve patient flow across the hospital.
The six-bed unit is a step towards a permanent, nine-bed ED short stay unit within the new acute services building being delivered as part of the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.
Recruitment is also underway to staff a new four-bay ED short stay unit at Ballina District Hospital, following the record investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget. The Ballina ED short stay unit is expected to open before the end of the year.
Short Stay Units are already in place at Lismore Base Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital.
The Grafton redevelopment is continuing to progress with Richard Crookes Construction recently awarded the main works contract for the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment and will begin demolition works in the coming weeks. The new acute services building is expected to be completed in 2029.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"We are delivering more beds, more hospitals, and more staff to deliver better services for communities like Grafton.
"The additional six-bed ED short stay unit at Grafton Base Hospital will increase ED capacity and streamline patient flow. This is critical for relieving pressure off our busy hospitals.
"The dedicated, more comfortable environment of the EDSSU supports improved patient experience for patients requiring short-term care in an ED."
Quotes attributable to Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:
"This new Emergency Department Short Stay Unit at Grafton Base Hospital is fantastic news for our region, providing timely, specialised care for patients when they need it most while easing pressure on the main ED.
"Whether it is expanding services here in Grafton or preparing for similar short stay facilities in Ballina, we are ensuring our local communities get the enhanced health services they deserve.
"We are committed to delivering modern, high-quality healthcare infrastructure and services right across the North Coast."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:
"This new Short Stay Unit means more patients in Grafton can get the care they need sooner, while helping to free up beds and reduce pressure on the Emergency Department.
"This is another important investment in health care for the Clarence, delivering better services for patients now while we get on with the $283.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital."
Quotes attributable to Tracey Maisey, Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District
"The Emergency Department Short Stay Unit is a welcome addition to Grafton Base Hospital and is designed for patients who are likely to spend less than 24 hours in hospital, and who do not require a traditional inpatient ward admission, such as those needing minor procedures, observation or rehydration.
"The unit will play an important role in improving patient flow and supporting timely, appropriate care.
"This model of care supports improved patient flow through the Emergency Department while maintaining a strong focus on safety, efficiency and quality clinical care."
