AMA (NSW) urges State to prepare for non-COVID care pressure on hospitals

NSW can expect an increase in hospital presentations and admitted patients as it pivots from focus on COVID patients, warns AMA (NSW).

“The latest quarterly report from the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) shows a correlation between the first and second wave of the pandemic,” Dr Danielle McMullen said.

“Between July and September 2021, we saw a decline in emergency department presentations and a decrease in the number of admitted patients as a result of the Delta outbreak. This mirrors the activity we witnessed during the first COVID outbreak in 2020.

“As the Delta outbreak in Greater Sydney and across NSW grew this winter, the system pivoted to look after acute COVID-care patients which put a unique strain on hospitals across the State.

“We know many people delayed care for serious issues that will likely become more apparent in 2022 and have long-term ramifications for the system.

“Previous BHI reports revealed higher than ever levels of activity following the first COVID wave and we anticipate a similar rebound in demand for care in the last quarter of 2021 and going forward in 2022.

“We urge the NSW Government to anticipate and accommodate for these healthcare needs in a proactive manner, by ensuring hospitals have the necessary workforce to adequately respond to this demand.

“This year, AMA (NSW) surveyed both senior and junior doctors working in public hospitals. The number one issue for both cohorts was the lack of workforce to deal with excessive workloads.

“Sixty-two percent of respondents in our Senior Doctor Pulse Check said they feel the number of medical staff is inadequate. Eight in 10 indicated they are experiencing workplace stress with the majority citing excessive workloads and lack of resources.

“Doctors-in-training reiterated similar frustrations in our AMA (NSW) 2021 Hospital Health Check survey.

“Increasing workforce numbers will also alleviate ambulance ramping by ensuring hospitals have the resources available to get patients the care they need in a timely manner.

“Our message is – prepare now by bolstering workforce numbers. We need more healthcare workers to deal with non-COVID care issues, particularly, increasing rates of cancer, stroke, heart attack, and diabetes,” Dr McMullen said.

Media contact: Andrea Cornish – 0419 402 955