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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

Community feedback sought on new Draft Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Published: 26 Jun 2025

Northern NSW residents are encouraged to have their say on the strategic health priorities for the region over the next five years.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) Chief Executive Tracey Maisey invited members of the community to provide feedback on the draft Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030, launched this week.

“The Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 sets out the priorities and enablers to help NNSWLHD meet the future health needs of the region with purpose and clarity. It aligns with NSW Health priorities and responds to the unique needs of this region,” Ms Maisey said.

“The plan follows extensive engagement with staff and members of the community in 2024, when we sought feedback on their health priorities over the coming five years. We’ve listened to that feedback and used it to inform this plan.

“Looking to the future, we will see shifts in the population, with an ageing population affected by more complex health needs, driving greater health service demand. We need to make sure we are prepared for this – and work together to keep our community focussed on being as healthy as we can.”

This aspiration is encapsulated in the District’s new vision: ‘Together, we deliver excellent care now, for a healthier community tomorrow’. The vision acknowledges the importance of thinking to the future and working with partners to ensure we collectively serve our communities as best we can, within the resources available.

The Strategic Plan looks at ways in which healthcare is delivered, including through the expansion of virtual services and services delivered outside of the hospital setting. It also looks to the safe adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and working closely with partners to adapt and strengthen to meet this need.

Embedded with each priority is an ongoing commitment to Closing the Gap and improving equitable access, experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal people, communities and staff.

NNSWLHD currently serves an estimated population of 314,905 people. By 2041, the population will increase to more than 336,000 people, with most of that growth taking place in the Ballina, Byron and Tweed local government areas.

Most of this growth will take place in the older age groups, with around one in four people in NNSWLHD expected to be aged 70 years and older by 2041.

“We’re now asking staff and the community to review our plan and share their feedback before it is finalised,” Ms Maisey said.
“Tell us what resonates with you and let us know if there is something more we could do to ensure we are best prepared for the years that lie ahead.”

Have your say on the Draft Strategic Plan 2025-2030 via the linked survey, by Thursday 31 July 2025.