Minister for Health Ryan Park is encouraging people to take advantage of in-person and virtual urgent care services as emergency departments (EDs) experience a period of increased demand this winter.
There have been more than 45,000 presentations to NSW EDs over the past five days, with a peak of almost 10,000 ED presentations on Monday, a 9.2 per cent increase from the same time in July.
Across NSW, ED presentations for respiratory illnesses remain high and are contributing to increased pressure on public hospitals.
As of the week ending 24 August 2025, there were more than 900 ED presentations for influenza-like illness in NSW.
During periods of high demand, those with less urgent conditions can experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritised for emergency care.
Patients with urgent but not life-threatening conditions can avoid these longer wait times by attending urgent care services and clinics, or by accessing free virtual urgent care from anywhere in NSW.
Almost 16,000 patients have already accessed virtual urgent care over the past financial year, allowing them to receive high-quality care without a trip to the ED.
We acknowledge it can be challenging for people when they wait longer than expected in a busy ED, and we thank the community for their patience throughout periods of high demand.
NSW Health urges the community to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID and influenza. People are encouraged to speak to their doctor about vaccination and about making a plan for testing and treatment if they do get sick.
There are a few simple steps people can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:
- Staying up to date with their vaccinations
- Staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
- Avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
- Considering doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
- Making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if they get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if they are eligible for antiviral medicine
- Practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.
