{
  "id": 10288126,
  "title": "'Like a zombie apocalypse': Adnaan waited 23 hours at Westmead Hospital",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/like-a-zombie-apocalypse-adnaan-waited-23-hours-at-westmead-hospital",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T20:31:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-28/sydney-westmead-hospital-emergency-wait-times/107164844"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Adnaan's sudden severe abdominal pain and shortness of breath forced him to leave his workplace early and rush to Westmead Hospital's emergency department in late August. Upon arrival, he was met with a chaotic scene, as the hospital was nearly full, with patients squeezed onto the floor. Adnaan and his father spent 23 hours waiting in a hard chair before deciding to leave against medical advice, despite being told his kidney was slightly ruptured. Westmead Hospital, one of Sydney's largest, is plagued by long emergency department (ED) wait times, having the longest ED wait times of any hospital in its district. Only 49.1% of patients receive timely treatment, the lowest rate in Western Sydney. The hospital saw 395,000 ambulance responses in the last quarter, a record number. Dr. Fred Betros, NSW president of the Australian Medical Association, stated that EDs were under unprecedented pressure, with a rising number of critically unwell patients. He noted that people with less urgent but still serious conditions often waited longer. The Western Sydney Local Health District acknowledged the long waits and offered apologies to affected patients, including Adnaan. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also apologized and committed funds to address the issue, including $35.7 million for more beds, staff, and services at Westmead. However, the Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, criticized the government for not delivering on their promises and pointed out that new beds had not been provided. Dr. Betros emphasized that hospital wait times would likely be a significant issue in the upcoming NSW election in March 2027. Adnaan's condition improved with medication, but he still awaits a diagnosis and a specialist appointment.",
  "summary": "Adnaan spent 23 hours on a hard chair at Sydney's Westmead Hospital before leaving without a bed. New figures show he is not alone.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}