Emergency doctors across the country are warning of a worsening hospital crisis, with the winter flu season yet to peak. According to a recent report, patients are experiencing prolonged waits, with some sitting in plastic chairs for up to 12 hours before being seen.
“Every emergency doctor that you speak to across the country will have some particularly sad stories from people who have prolonged lengths of stay sitting in plastic chairs in waiting rooms for 12 hours before they’re even seen,” said a representative from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) in a statement verified by news sources as of June 2026.
The crisis is attributed to a combination of factors, including a surge in flu cases, staff shortages, and increased demand for emergency services. Health authorities have urged the public to seek alternative care options, such as general practitioners or telehealth, to alleviate pressure on hospitals.
As of June 25, 2026, the flu season has not yet peaked, raising concerns that conditions may worsen in the coming weeks. The AMA has called for urgent government action to address the systemic issues in the healthcare system.
