Hospitals
Exclusive
Hospitals in crisis
Karen has delivered thousands of babies. Three deaths still haunt her
Former midwife Karen Buckley has nightmares about dead babies. She says it’s a result of trauma on the job and understaffing, and she wants urgent change.
- by Laura Banks
Latest
This surgery saved Alexia’s life. Labor’s ‘backflip’ could end it at Randwick
Health Minister Ryan Park says there has been no change to cardiac services at the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick. Doctors and families aren’t convinced.
- by Angus Thomson
These paramedics are itching to work. The worst part of their job is sitting around
Two-person ambulance crews are routinely stuck at emergency departments for hours before they are cleared to pick up a new patient.
- by Aisha Dow and Henrietta Cook
Record wait times, more sick patients: NSW’s health crisis laid bare
Emergency department wait times have reached a record high while hospitals and paramedics in NSW are treating record numbers with life-threatening conditions.
- by Angus Thomson and Laura Banks
Exclusive
Healthcare
Nicky was having a heart attack. She spent hours waiting on an ambulance trolley
When it comes to a heart attack or stroke, an hour’s delay before treatment can make a major difference. But Victorian patients are waiting too long on ambulance trolleys instead.
- by Henrietta Cook and Aisha Dow
Stroke patients need treatment within an hour. Two-thirds don’t get it in time
Advocates are optimistic new time targets will improve the situation, as Australia’s treatment times lag behind the US and UK.
- by Mary Ward
Doctor under investigation after patient dies
A NSW doctor, who the coroner found “withheld” antibiotics from a patient who subsequently died, has been referred to the medical board for “investigation of his clinical conduct”.
- by Laura Banks
Updated
Sharks
Surfer suffered ‘life-changing’ injuries in shark mauling, family says
The Port Macquarie surfer who fought off a four-metre white shark is in a serious but stable condition, while Lighthouse Beach has reopened to swimmers and surfers.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons, Anthony Segaert and Olivia Ireland
Perth woman in coma after horrific infection from dog bite
The family of Tracy Ridout, who got nipped by a dog in her care, have been told to prepare for the worst as infection ravages her.
- by Emma Griffiths
Exclusive
Healthcare
‘Not what emergency care is about’: Major funding shake-up for NSW hospitals
Minister Ryan Park says a royal commission-style inquiry will examine the entire NSW health system, including a root-and-branch review of the state’s hospitals.
- by Michael McGowan
Perspective
Government
MPs back to parliament after a government walk in a winter blunder land
While the post-budget roadshow gave them a chance to spruik their goods, the government has had anything but a chance to take a breath over the mid-year break.
- by Matt Dennien