Northern NSW hospital Eds score top marks

PATIENTS have scored Northern NSW hospitals top marks for cleanliness and compassion, with Byron Central Hospital rating the cleanest emergency department in the state.

The Bureau of Health Information’s latest Emergency Department Patient Survey summarised the experiences of 2,449 patients who attended Northern NSW hospital EDs from July 2024 to June 2025.

Several hospitals, including Ballina, Byron Central and Tweed Valley, received results significantly above the NSW average in overall care and treatment, teamwork, communication and cleanliness.

Murwillumbah District Hospital recorded 28 results significantly above the state average, more than any other hospital in NSW. Of respondents, 94 per cent of patients said their health professionals were ‘always kind and caring’, the top result in the state.

Byron Central Hospital was once again given the top score in the state for cleanliness, with 97 per cent of patients agreeing the ED was ‘definitely clean’.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey said creating a positive patient experience was a team effort.

“I’m incredibly proud of all our healthcare staff for the kind, skilled and attentive care they provide to our patients, and I include all our support staff, such as administration staff, cleaners, wardspeople, linen and kitchen staff in this as well,” Maisey said.

“You cannot deliver excellent care without everyone working to a shared goal, which is getting the best outcome for our patients, and that’s what our teams are doing here.

“We know how important it is to make sure patients feel comfortable and listened to when they’re in our facilities, so it’s wonderful to see these sentiments reflected in the patient survey.”