Australians Still Facing Long Hospital Waits

Public hospitals across Australia are under pressure, with emergency departments and essential surgeries struggling to keep up. New government funding has helped a little, but long waits remain a reality. Brent spoke with AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen about the findings of the 2026 AMA Public Hospital Report Card, what’s driving delays, and what needs to change to improve care. Dr McMullen explains the challenges facing patients, why more beds alone aren’t enough, and what Australians can do to navigate the system safely while hospitals remain under pressure. Tune in for insights into what’s really happening in our public hospitals, why long waits persist, and what reforms could make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.