Surgery referrals missed in Sydney hospital email blunder

Key points

• Sydney Local Health District has apologised after 3,400 emails, including 16 patient surgery referrals, went unchecked in an inbox at Canterbury Hospital. Some referrals date back to late 2025.
• Four patients were classed as Category One, meaning surgery is recommended within 30 days, and twelve as Category Two, meaning within 90 days. The district says affected patients are being contacted and their surgeries rescheduled.
• The Australian Medical Association warned the delay posed a significant risk to Category One patients, and the Opposition has called for an independent review.