Almost 300 GPs across New South Wales have completed training that allows them to diagnose and treat ADHD, and another 300 are expected to start next month. The NSW Government says the reforms aim to make care more accessible and could save families thousands of dollars. GPs will be supported by specialist psychiatrists and paediatricians and will continue to refer patients to specialists when needed. The government has committed an $11.7 million package in the 2026-27 NSW Budget, including funding for up to 2,500 free GP ADHD assessments.
A $28 million New South Wales pilot will provide interim aged care services so older patients can leave hospital sooner while waiting for federal support packages. Health Minister Ryan Park announced the program alongside a report by the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission. It estimates the number of older stranded patients could rise from around 1,100 to more than 7,000 by 2036. Park said the state cannot keep waiting for the Commonwealth to meet its responsibilities.
Almost 300 GPs across NSW have completed extra training to assess, diagnose and begin prescribing medication for ADHD in adults and children. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the change is designed to give patients faster access to care, particularly in regional and remote areas. GPs will be supported by specialist psychiatrists and paediatricians and can still refer patients to specialists. The government says up to 2500 free GP ADHD assessments will be funded, potentially saving eligible patients up to $1500 a year. A further 300 GPs are expected to start the training next month.
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A 48-year-old man, Raymond James Dungay, is accused of spraying petrol on three patients at Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital and trying to ignite it. Police guard him after he did not apply for bail at a bedside court hearing. One patient, Randovan Banic, suffered minor burns and has been moved to intensive care. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has ordered an immediate investigation and says he wants the man removed from the hospital. The incident occurred late on Tuesday but was not made public until about 24 hours later, which Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell criticised.
A man who survived being allegedly set alight at a Sydney hospital says he is glad he was targeted instead of someone who could not defend themselves. Radovan Banic, 54, was one of three people allegedly doused in petrol at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick on Tuesday night. He said he thought the liquid was water before he realised he was alight, and he has minor burns. Police allege Raymond Dungay, 48, tried to set two other patients alight. Dungay has been charged with attempted murder and did not apply for bail in court.
The number of aged care patients waiting in New South Wales hospital beds rose almost 40 per cent in a year, from 761 to 1,063. A state commission report warns the figure could exceed 7,000 in 10 years if services fail to keep pace. It estimates the state needs 2,600 new aged care beds a year but is projected to deliver only 660. Commission chief Peter Achterstraat has called for intermediate care options. The state government will fund a $28 million pilot, while the Commonwealth is urged to increase aged care funding.
A special investigation by Guardian Australia has found that persons without means are being buried in bare patches of earth between walkways and old headstones. Most of these graves have no plaque or tombstone. NSW Health, which oversees the process, has apologised. State health minister Ryan Park has signalled he wants to end the use of unmarked communal graves. Guardian reporters Christopher Knaus and Ariel Bogle discuss the investigation and the families affected with Reged Ahmad.
NSW Health has issued an urgent warning after an unusually large number of high-dose MDMA tablets were found circulating across the state. The tablets were most recently detected at the Knockout Outdoor music festival in Sydney on Saturday. Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Hester Wilson said the tablets could be anywhere in the state and may cause severe agitation, seizures, irregular heart rhythm and death. Health authorities urged anyone feeling unwell after taking drugs to call triple-0 immediately, stating they will not get into trouble for seeking care.
NSW Health has issued an urgent warning after an unusually large number of high-dose MDMA tablets were found circulating across the state. The tablets were most recently detected at the Knockout Outdoor music festival in Sydney on Saturday. Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist Dr Hester Wilson said the tablets could be anywhere in the state and may cause severe agitation, seizures, irregular heart rhythm and death. Health authorities urged anyone feeling unwell after taking drugs to call triple-0 immediately, stating they will not get into trouble for seeking care.
