Wollongong Hospital's expanded Emergency Short Stay Area (ESSA) is now fully operational, increasing capacity to provide more timely access to care and helping improve patient flow through the emergency department (ED).
This critical infrastructure project is part of the Minns Labor Government's ED Relief package with $70 million going towards expanding ESSAs. This project has involved the creation of a larger purpose-built space adjacent to the existing ED, enabling an increase in patient treatment spaces from 10 to 16, with accompanying increases in staffing to support safe patient care.
The expanded ESSA has cared for more than 2,000 patients needing short-term admitted care between 4 and 24 hours, with most able to go home safely after their treatment.
Emergency Short Stay Areas are ED-managed units that provide short-term admitted care, generally between 4-24 hours, for patients with semi urgent conditions. This model allows patients to receive the treatment they need without moving to a traditional inpatient ward, helping preserve inpatient beds for patients who are more acutely or chronically unwell and require longer hospital stays.
The expansion of ESSA builds on the $21.9 million investment to upgrade health services and infrastructure at Wollongong Hospital, including the recently completed relocation and refurbishment of the Medical Ambulatory Care Unit and expansion of the Transit Lounge.
The investment also includes the delivery of an expanded imaging department with new CT and MRI facilities, due for completion later this year.
The Minns Labor Government is focused on building more hospitals, delivering more beds and strengthening essential health services across NSW. By alleviating pressure on Wollongong Hospital's emergency department, this expansion will help lower wait times and better meet the health needs of the community now and into the future.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
"Wollongong Hospital plays an essential role in providing care for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area, so I'm thrilled to see the expansion of our Emergency Short Stay Area now complete.
"The expanded unit will be fully utilised with additional treatment spaces and increased staffing to lower ED wait times and ensure continued safe, high-quality care.
"This work is part of the NSW Government's comprehensive ED relief package that includes $70 million to expand ESSA models across the state, delivering more treatment spaces for emergency patients who require short-term care, observation and ongoing assessment.
"This is a real step forward in local emergency care for our growing community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:
"This along with additional staffing, has been a big boost to patient care at Wollongong Hospital's Emergency department.
"Short stay units provide effective and safe care for clinically stable patients who need urgent treatment in ED, but whose conditions can be managed without needing to stay in a traditional hospital ward bed.
"This expansion supports improved patient flow in the ED and helps make sure inpatient ward beds are available for patients who require them."
