New Patient Flow Staff to Boost Maitland Hospital’s Emergency Department

Maitland Hospital is set to benefit from new patient flow concierge staff as part of a broader initiative to ease pressure on emergency departments (EDs) across the Hunter New England region. The newly appointed staff will help reduce wait times, improve patient experiences, and ensure faster access to inpatient ward beds.

Maitland Hospital will receive three dedicated staff members, including a Whole of Health Program Coordinator and a Flow Navigator to manage patient movement, minimise delays, and facilitate timely transfers of care. These roles are designed to help streamline hospital operations, ultimately leading to shorter ED wait times and a better experience for both patients and healthcare workers.

This initiative is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $53.9 million investment in patient flow improvement, aimed at reducing the length of hospital stays and ensuring patients can return home sooner with appropriate support. The introduction of these positions aligns with the government’s broader $480.7 million emergency department relief package, which includes significant funding to expand urgent care services, enhance virtual care models, and improve hospital discharge planning.

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, welcomed the additional support, stating that the new staff would play a crucial role in improving the quality of care and reducing delays at Maitland Hospital.

“This additional support being provided to Maitland Hospital staff and patients will help improve quality of care and reduce wait times,” Ms Aitchison said.

“I’m so pleased to be part of the Minns Labor Government as we get on with the job of building our health workforce and improving services that were left shattered after 12 years of neglect from the Liberal and Nationals government.”

Other hospitals in the region, including Tamworth and Manning, will also receive dedicated staff, with district-wide roles established to improve overall hospital efficiency. The goal is to create a smoother patient flow system, freeing up doctors and nurses to focus on direct patient care.

Health Minister Ryan Park highlighted the importance of these new positions, highlighting their impact on reducing long wait times and ensuring patients receive timely medical attention.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in emergency department relief measures to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities,” Minister Park said.

“These patient flow concierge officers are helping to free up doctors and nurses to treat patients sooner by taking charge of the coordination of administrative tasks, including complex discharge planning.”

The investment reflects a broader commitment to improving healthcare in the Hunter region, ensuring that hospitals like Maitland are equipped to handle increasing patient demand while maintaining high standards of care.