Last Thursday, the Lismore App published an article about Lismore Base Hospital's downward trend in the latest Bureau of Health Information Quarterly Report from October to December 2024.

While Lismore did have a busy three months with a 6.7% rise in ambulance arrivals, there were some results that have been a downward trajectory for the last three years, such as starting ED Treatment On Time dropping to 48.3%, less than half.

We did ask the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to explain some of the new strategies that will see these negative results turnaround.

Lynne Weir, Director Clinical Operations, Northern NSW Local Health District said the NNSWLHD continually plans and invests in strategies to improve the timeliness of care for patients presenting to Emergency Departments.

"These strategies include the introduction of new Urgent Care Service in the Tweed and Lismore regions, both of which are now operational, and the expansion of our Hospital in The Home service across the district, which allows eligible patients to receive treatment from nurses and medical staff in the comfort of their own home.

"Planning is also on track to introduce new Patient Flow Discharge Concierges across the District to assist in the discharge of complex patients. At Lismore Base Hospital, we have also supported the opening of additional permanent ward beds, providing greater capacity for patient flow.

"Lismore Base Hospital is currently rolling out the Safe Staffing Levels for nurses in its emergency department, with recruitment underway for approximately 27 FTE additional nurses to meet Safe Staffing Level requirements.

"The Safe Staffing Levels initiative involves the introduction of minimum staffing levels on every shift, improving the experience of patients and boosting capacity and retention of staff. 

"Lismore is also set to benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation as part of a $34.2 million investment from the NSW Government in Northern NSW, which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region. 

"The community can support us by saving emergency departments and ambulances for saving lives. If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage people to call Healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour telephone health advice."

Lynne did not forecast how long these strategies would take before we see an improvement in the key ED indicators.