Joint media release with Northern NSW Local Health District:
Northern NSW residents are being urged to consider the best care options available to them, as the winter season continues to impact the local community and the region’s busy emergency departments.
From Monday 27 July to Sunday 2 August 2026, emergency departments across Northern NSW’s 12 hospitals and Multi-Purpose Service sites treated an average of 636 patients a day, an increase of 22 patients compared with the same week last year.
NNSWLHD Executive Director Clinical Operations Lynne Weir said while Northern NSW LHD has a range of strategies in place to prepare for increased demand, people with non-life-threatening conditions are encouraged to access alternative healthcare options before presenting to an ED.
“Our hospitals across Northern NSW are extremely busy this winter, and we are expecting them to get busier over coming weeks,” Ms Weir said.
“If your condition is not life-threatening, please consider calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for fast and free health advice.
“When you call Healthdirect, a registered nurse will assess your condition and guide you to the care you need, which could be a local health service, such as an urgent care service, or connect you with a virtual care service.
“By utilising services like Healthdirect and local urgent care options, we can ensure our busy EDs are reserved for the most urgent and high-level care that can’t be accessed anywhere else.”
The NNSWLHD Patient Flow Unit, which is a dedicated group of nurses, administrators and coordinators, is helping identify emergency pressures and demand for care in emergency departments across the District.
The Unit identifies when an ED is experiencing a high volume of emergency presentations and works closely with NSW Ambulance and the state-wide NSW Health System Operations Command Centre in Sydney to safely redirect suitable patients with non-life-threatening conditions to alternative hospitals with available capacity.
“Our Patient Flow Unit is just one of the ways we have prepared our region for Winter,” Ms Weir said.
“We have also increased inpatient capacity, provided strengthened discharge planning support and enhanced community-based care.
“Additionally, we are focussed on promoting vaccination and virtual healthcare in the community, while focusing on keeping our workforce safe and well during winter through workforce planning and vaccination programs.”
Northern NSW Local Health District is working closely with the Primary Health Network, Healthy North Coast, to ensure the community receives timely care close to home.
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said the community can take a few simple steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory illnesses.
“The most important thing to do is book in for your flu vaccine if you haven’t already – it is not too late. Please stay home if you are sick. If you are unwell and need to leave home, please wear a mask and avoid high-risk settings including aged care and hospitals,” Ms Wheeler said.
Ms Wheeler also reminded residents about the two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in the region, one at Tweed Heads and one in Goonellabah, as well as the Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre drop-in clinic at Southern Cross University.
“If you can’t get a quick appointment with your regular GP or care provider, these urgent care clinics are fast, free options with extended opening hours,” Ms Wheeler said.
“These clinics are open 365 days a year, are bulk-billed and accept walk-ins from 7am to 9pm daily, with no appointment needed.
“If you have a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
Latest figures on influenza, COVID-19 and RSV activity in the community are published in the NSW Respiratory Surveillance report every fortnight.
Where to find your nearest Medicare Urgent Care Clinic:
Tweed Heads Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Location: 33-35 Corporation Circuit, Tweed Heads South
Opening hours: 7am – 9pm, 7 days a week
Lismore Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Location: 33-35 Rous Rd, Goonellabah
Opening hours: 7am – 9pm, 7 days a week
No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome. Open 7 days a week. The clinics provide free, immediate treatment to Medicare Card holders for non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Services include treatment for respiratory illnesses, gastroenteritis, minor infections, burns or cuts, sprains and sports injuries, STIs, bites and rashes, eye and ear infections.
Members of the community may also be directed to Tweed Heads Medicare Urgent Care Clinic or Lismore Medicare Urgent Care Clinic by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Lismore Medicare Mental Health Centre
Location: Southern Cross University, P Block North, Rifle Range Rd, East Lismore
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm, Saturdays 9am – 5pm.
Lismore Medicare Mental Health Clinic is an in-person support service for those aged 18 years and over. No appointment or referral needed, walk-ins welcome. Open 6 days a week. Or call the centre to book an appointment on (02) 5658 5989. A safe and welcoming place for people to access mental health information, services and supports from multidisciplinary care teams over extended hours. Anyone can reach out for support for themselves, a loved one or patient.
Pictured above L-R: NNSWLHD Patient Flow Unit – Tanya Casanova, Erica Wells and Rachel Dunstan
