Public urged to avoid hospital unless ‘life might be in danger’ after record day for Sydney emergency departments
Sydney emergency departments recorded the highest ever winter day with just under 10,000 presentations, driven by flu, Covid and RSV cases. The state government responded by establishing a permanent command centre, extending service hours, and urging the public to use Healthdirect or urgent care unless life‑threatening. Officials warned that the next three weeks could be the most demanding of the year as hospitals face full resuscitation bays and high ambulance callouts.
- ▪Around 10,000 people visited Sydney emergency departments on Monday, the biggest recorded winter day in the city’s history.
- ▪Over 4,100 ambulance callouts were made, exceeding predictions and adding pressure to the health system.
- ▪The government announced a permanent command centre and extended operating hours to manage peak demand and advised people to avoid EDs unless in danger.
- ▪Health authorities reported moderate influenza and RSV levels, low Covid levels, and noted vaccine hesitancy as a factor in rising cases.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/04/sydney-hospitals-nsw-emergency-department-busy-record-winter |
| Publication time | Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:08:54 GMT |
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New South Wales health said Sydney emergency rooms saw ‘biggest ever recorded winter day’ on Monday, with the number of flu, Covid and RSV presentations expected to grow. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPView image in fullscreenNew South Wales health said Sydney emergency rooms saw ‘biggest ever recorded winter day’ on Monday, with the number of flu, Covid and RSV presentations expected to grow. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAPHealthPublic urged to avoid hospital unless ‘life might be in danger’ after record day for Sydney emergency departmentsWinter flu season is putting pressure on the health system, with medical staff bracing for the ‘worst three weeks of the year’Caitlin CassidyTue 4 Aug 2026 01.08 EDTLast modified on Tue 4 Aug 2026 01.15 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSick patients in New…
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