Heading into the first weeks of winter, NSW hospitals are ready for the predicted spike in hospital presentations and admissions, following months of extensive preparations.
Winter is always expected to be a busy time across the public health system, with more patients presenting and being admitted to hospital with respiratory illnesses, like the flu.
Last year, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications - an increase of 15.8 per cent or 25,548 notifications, on 2024 - or an increase of 79 per cent or 82,439 notifications, on 2023.
There were more than 23,700 presentations to emergency departments from people with influenza-like illness - an increase of more than 4,500 admissions to hospital, a 45 per cent increase from 2024.
While influenza activity remains low, with 523 notified cases in the week ending 23 May, these figures will rise this winter.
To help reduce pressues on the healthcare system, NSW hospitals are implementing several initiatives and strategies, including:
- extending operational hours for some hospital services later into the day and across weekends and enhancing escalation processes.
- engaging clinical and support staff to improve patient flow, address hospital capacity and support new models of care to reduce length of stay
- conducting scenario testing using previous data to understand different types of winter pressure and evaluate the best way to respond should these scenarios arise
- providing the community with out-of-hospital alternatives for care, including Healthdirect and urgent care centres
During periods of increased hospital demand, Healthdirect is an important pathway to care outside of the hospital, helping to reduce avoidable presentations, support frontline staff and ensure people are connected with the right care, quickly.
Over 60 per cent of people who called Healthdirect intending to go to ED were spared an unnecessary ED wait and receiving care outside of the ED.
As winter begins, the community are reminded of the importance of vaccination.
The influenza vaccine is recommended yearly for everyone six months and over and offers the best protection against serious illness. The community is encouraged to get vaccinated early before cases begin rising again.
The 2026 flu vaccine will be available from April and is free for:
- children aged six months to under five years
- pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged six months and over
- anyone aged 65 and over
- people with serious health conditions.
The NSW Government also recently announced a free nasal spray flu vaccine is available for all young people from 2 to 17 years of age in NSW.
The community can book their influenza vaccine at their GP, community pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service. Patients admitted to NSW Health facilities may also have the opportunity to receive their flu vaccine in hospital, once they are well enough.
If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
For more information on respiratory illness, including to book your flu vaccination, visit: Respiratory illness.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"Winter is a period where we expect there will be significant demand on our healthcare services because people will get sicker.
"And we are bolstering our system in terms of capacity as well as implementing measures to improve patient flow.
"We can lower our risk of flu by ensuring we are up to date with our vaccinations, especially our school aged children and over 65s - for younger people who are averse to needles, you can now receive a free vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.
"If you do get sick and it's not an emergency, please phone Healthdirect where you will speak to a registered nurse who can guide you on best and most convenient pathway to care outside of the hospital, sparing you from an unnecessary wait in the ED."
