A lengthy wait for surgery at Wollongong Hospital resulted in Mick Nairn’s appendix bursting, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare facilities amidst rising demand. After arriving at the emergency department on August 27, 2023, with symptoms of appendicitis, Nairn endured almost two days of waiting before undergoing surgery.
Nairn’s experience reflects broader issues within the healthcare system, specifically the strain on hospitals during peak illness seasons. Data from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) indicates that on the same day Nairn presented at the emergency department, there were 101 patients in local hospitals waiting beyond their discharge dates for residential aged care placements. This situation contributes to what is known as bed block, a significant problem that has affected Wollongong Hospital for years.
As demand surged, Nairn found himself in a crowded emergency department that was 13 percent busier than the daily average. State Health Minister Ryan Park noted that thousands of patients are experiencing extended wait times in New South Wales hospitals. “We are seeing a significant escalation in the number of people waiting for Commonwealth aged care or NDIS placements in NSW public hospitals. Our hospital system was not designed for this,” Park stated.
Nairn’s ordeal began when his general practitioner advised him to seek immediate care for severe abdominal pain, suspected to be appendicitis. Upon arrival, he quickly saw the triage nurse but was left in the emergency department for approximately 34 hours before being moved to a recovery ward. During much of this time, he experienced “horrendous” pain and was without a bed, forcing him to endure the discomfort of a crowded waiting area. “I couldn’t stand up straight; I had to hunch over. Thirty-odd hours in the waiting room just killed me,” Nairn recounted.
After being informed he would have surgery on Thursday morning, Nairn learned later that the procedure had been postponed. Ultimately, he was transferred to a bed around 1 a.m. on Friday, with surgery occurring after noon that day. It was during this procedure that surgeons discovered his appendix had ruptured while he waited for care, a condition that can pose serious health risks. Fortunately for Nairn, the damage was contained, but the extended incision required more extensive closure with staples.
Despite his difficult experience, Nairn expressed no criticism toward the hospital staff, stating, “Everyone there was lovely, like they did their best, but it was absolute carnage.” His wife, Christine Donayre, noted that they had visited emergency departments in the past and had sometimes left due to long waits, but the conditions this time were unprecedented. Donayre even reached out to other hospitals in the Illawarra and Sydney in hopes of finding quicker assistance.
In response to the ongoing challenges, an ISLHD spokesperson emphasized the commitment to providing timely care in the emergency department. “All patients are seen and triaged on arrival at the ED, with the most seriously unwell patients treated first,” the spokesperson explained. During peak demand, however, patients with less urgent conditions may face longer wait times due to prioritization of more critical cases.
The health district is actively working to address the issue of long hospital stays for patients awaiting residential aged care. Collaboration with NSW Health, the federal government, and various partner organizations continues, including efforts to manage bed block more effectively.
Minister Park also announced that the NSW government is enhancing access to care outside of hospital settings to alleviate pressure on emergency departments. Additionally, the introduction of new nurse-to-patient ratios in emergency departments aims to ensure adequate staffing levels. Wollongong Hospital recently completed hiring 30 full-time equivalent nurses, with further recruitment underway at Shellharbour Hospital.
To further ease the burden on emergency services, Park recommended that individuals utilize the healthdirect helpline at 1800 022 222 or visit urgent care clinics when possible. He expressed gratitude to the healthcare staff working tirelessly under challenging circumstances.
In a related development, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Sam Rae announced the immediate release of 20,000 new home care packages aimed at supporting older individuals to remain in their homes, with an additional 20,000 packages expected by the end of the year. This initiative seeks to address the root causes of bed block and improve overall healthcare delivery.
The situation surrounding Mick Nairn serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by healthcare systems, particularly during peak periods of illness, and underscores the need for systemic improvements to ensure timely access to care for all patients.
