Health or bail reform: paths to election glory mapped

Résumé détaillé

The two major parties in one state are testing whether electoral success comes from clearing hospital waiting rooms or filling up prison remand wings.

Voters in NSW head to the polls in March and competing pledges from the major parties about the state of health care and the justice system have taken centre stage.

The Labor government has announced if re-elected it will deliver a new "hospital-level" care service in homes across the state.

Treating an estimated 76,000 patients per year with complex health needs at home rather than in overcrowded emergency departments will ease the strain on hospitals, Premier Chris Minns said on Sunday.

"This commitment means more people can get that care at home, while we free up space in our hospitals for those who need it most," Mr Minns said.

"For patients recovering from surgery or managing serious health conditions, being able to receive hospital-level care at home can make a real difference."

The government hopes the scheme will free up the equivalent of 700 hospital beds.

The president of the NSW branch of the Australian Medical Association applauded the "outside the box" thinking of the government's announcement but cautioned it would not be a silver bullet.

"We must also ensure it does not replace the need to properly staff our public hospitals for patients needing acute care," Fred Betros said.

"We are calling for a NSW Medical Workforce Plan that adds at least 1,000 net new senior doctor positions in public hospitals over four years."

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