A photo of a 70-year-old man lying on the floor at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney has sparked widespread concern about the state of New South Wales’ healthcare system.
The man, Raymond, was forced to lie behind a row of chairs with a bag under his head while waiting for treatment. His daughter, Hayley Leatham, shared the image on Facebook, saying her father needed an urgent blood transfusion due to dangerously low haemoglobin levels.
Raymond also suffers from diabetes and hypertension. Despite his condition, he reportedly waited more than 24 hours for a hospital bed after going to the emergency room with severe diarrhoea.
“This is the sad reality of our public health system,” Ms Leatham wrote. “I have the most respect for our nurses and doctors, but this is truly heartbreaking to see.”
Hospital Staff Warn of Overcrowding
Healthcare workers at Blacktown Hospital say they are overwhelmed by record patient numbers during the winter season. Jess Kybert, Vice President of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association’s Blacktown branch, described the past month as the busiest and most stressful period since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our waiting room isn’t built for this many people,” Ms Kybert said. “We don’t have enough beds or space, and sadly the floor becomes the next best option.”
On the night of Raymond’s visit, up to 70 patients were waiting for treatment at one time, according to Ms Kybert. Many patients had to lie across chairs or on the ground, which she said creates safety risks during emergencies like fires.
Blacktown Hospital, located in one of Sydney’s fastest-growing areas, is struggling to keep up with demand. Healthcare workers are urging the state government to provide more funding, more beds, and better staffing.
Political Leaders React
NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman said the image of Raymond lying on the hospital floor “should shake everyone to the core.” He called for a special funding boost for Blacktown Hospital and criticised Premier Chris Minns for not addressing the crisis.
Premier Minns admitted the situation was “obviously distressing,” but blamed the previous Coalition government for years of underinvestment in Western Sydney healthcare.
“We need to do better with the massive investment we’re putting into health,” Mr Minns said. He pointed to plans for 60 new beds at Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals and new facilities at Rouse Hill and Bankstown.
Opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane also expressed concern, saying it was “pretty shocking” to see patients sleeping on hospital floors. “This should not be happening in our hospitals,” she said.
Blacktown Hospital is currently ranked last among similar hospitals in NSW for emergency department performance.
