Dear colleagues,

The ED Taskforce has been established to improve ED wait times, access to care and to explore innovative solutions to divert pressure from our hospitals. The Taskforce provides an exciting opportunity to make important changes that could positively transform patient care in our EDs.

Since its inception, the Taskforce has convened twice, bringing together a diverse cohort of stakeholders from across metropolitan, rural, and regional NSW. With representation spanning nursing, medical, allied health, Aboriginal health, hospital executive, and NSW Ambulance sectors, our collective expertise ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by our EDs.

We are pleased to share that considerable progress has been made. The Taskforce had the pleasure of endorsing the transition to selected Hospital Access Targets developed through the dedicated work of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM). The selected targets that have been endorsed are:

• ≥ 80% patients discharged from a NSW public hospital ED should have an ED LOS ≤ 4 hours.
• ≥ 80% patients admitted or transferred from a NSW public hospital ED should have an ED LOS ≤ 6 hours.
• ≥ 60% NSW public hospital ED patients admitted to a short stay unit should have an ED LOS ≤ 4 hours.
• ≥ 95% NSW public hospital ED patients should have an ED LOS ≤12 hours

Furthermore, the Taskforce has prioritised the review of the Emergency Department Short Stay Units (ED SSU) policy. It has also recommended the formation of a working group to review this existing policy, recognising the critical role these units play in patient care optimisation.

Looking ahead, the Taskforce not only endorsed an indicative workplan, it is also dedicated to formulating an ED reform strategy that embraces innovation and fosters collaboration. Our focus is not only on addressing current challenges, it is also on capturing innovative models and ideas that have the potential to ease pressure on EDs.

As we continue our journey, we look forward to shaping the future of improving access to emergency care. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes and ensure the resilience of our healthcare systems.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative endeavour.

Kind Regards,

Dr Trevor Chan
Co-Chair ED Taskforce
Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute

Matthew Daly
Co-Chair ED Taskforce
Deputy Secretary, System Sustainability and Performance