From innovation to impact:
improving care at scale

Across NSW, innovation, collaboration and dedication are driving real improvements in care as we test, refine and scale new clinical solutions.

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Nurse-initiated emergency care improving patient outcomes

The Emergency Care Assessment and Treatment (ECAT) Program is improving experiences and outcomes in emergency departments (EDs) across NSW, and is now expanding into urgent care settings.

ECAT was a finalist in this year’s NSW Health Awards. Discover how it’s making a difference.

Watch a short video about ECAT

Since ECAT launched in May 2024:

  • It is being used in 159 EDs across NSW. This ensures patients can access the same standardised care close to home across metropolitan, regional and rural EDs.
  • It has guided care for 1 million+ patients, including 57% of adult patients and 71% of paediatric patients in some EDs.
  • EDs using ECAT are achieving up to a 16% improvement in patients being seen on time.
  • 6,000+ nurses have completed the education pathway that empowers them to use ECAT and further their practice.

It is now being expanded into affiliated health organisations and urgent care services.

A statewide effort improving chronic wound care

Since it began in 2020, the NSW Chronic Wound Management Initiative has successfully improved how wounds are managed for people in NSW.

  • A taskforce involving chronic wound management clinicians, consumers and system leaders led development of statewide projects to improve consumer outcomes and prevent hospital readmissions.
  • A range of tools and resources were developed to support various aspects of chronic wound care; and to describe the experiences of people living with a chronic wound.

Key outcomes

  • Increased access to wound management specialists and multidisciplinary care.
  • Improved workforce capability.
  • Increased consumer involvement in their care.
  • Improved consumer outcomes, including reducing hospital admissions for thousands of patients.
  • Less bed days and significant cost savings.
  • The initiative was a finalist in the 2025 NSW Premier’s Awards for ‘Providing World-class Healthcare’.

A patient receiving care for their wound.

“The network of menopause hubs and referral sites across NSW ensures that all women, including those in rural and regional areas, can receive expert care and support close to home.”

Minister for Health the Hon. Ryan Park MP

Expanding access to specialist menopause care

Rollout of the NSW Health statewide menopause services is now complete. Led by our Menopause Initiative, the new multidisciplinary model has successfully expanded access to care for the one in 4 women who experience severe or complex menopause symptoms, particularly those living in rural and regional NSW.

  • All 4 menopause hubs in South Eastern Sydney, Hunter New England, South Western Sydney and Northern Sydney LHDs and 12 referral sites are now operating
  • 6,600+ women have accessed support on almost 14,000 occasions.
  • Embedding patient-reported measures into the model of care has enabled services to standardise and improve menopause care, based on what matters most to patients.

Watch how embedding patient-reported measures into menopause services is improving outcomes

“Women across NSW, regardless of background or situation, can access treatment that helps them better contribute to their families, workplaces and community.”

Kathryn Spears, Critical Care Clinical Stream Manager, South Western Sydney Local Health District

A focus on ACI

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