Australia’s hospital emergency departments (EDs) are facing unprecedented challenges, including access block, ambulance ramping, and overcrowding. The 2026 Emergency Department Access & Performance Conference, taking place May 13th-14th in Sydney and online, offers a crucial forum for healthcare professionals to address thes issues and implement evidence-based solutions.
Addressing Critical Challenges in Emergency Care
This year’s conference arrives at a pivotal moment. Australian EDs are under immense strain, impacting patient care and straining resources. The conference is designed to equip delegates with actionable strategies to improve patient flow, manage demand effectively, and navigate new national hospital access targets. Participants will have the chance to benchmark their practices against leading services across the country.
Expert-Led Sessions and Key Speakers
The conference boasts a high-profile lineup of speakers, including:
- Dr. Stephen Gourley, Immediate Past President, Australian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) [ACEM Website]
- Jordan Emery, CEO, Ambulance Victoria [Ambulance Victoria Website]
- Dr. Amith Shetty, Clinical Director, NSW Ministry of Health [NSW Health Website]
Key sessions will delve into:
Predictive Demand Planning
Utilizing data analytics to forecast patient volumes and proactively allocate resources, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency. This includes exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in demand forecasting.
Virtual ED Models
Examining the implementation and effectiveness of virtual emergency departments, offering remote consultations and triage to manage less critical cases and alleviate pressure on physical EDs.The Australian Department of Health provides guidance on virtual emergency care services.
System-Wide Redesign
Focusing on collaborative approaches to eliminate bottlenecks across the entire healthcare system, from pre-hospital care to discharge planning.This includes improving interaction and coordination between hospitals,ambulance services,and primary care providers.
post-Conference Workshop: Data-Driven Operational Strategies
On May 15th, an optional post-conference workshop will provide a deep dive into data-driven operational strategies. This workshop will focus on leveraging data analytics to identify areas for improvement, track performance metrics, and implement sustainable changes in emergency care delivery.
Who Should Attend?
This conference is essential for:
- ED Directors
- Nursing Directors
- Health Executives
- Emergency Physicians
- Paramedics
- Hospital Administrators
Key takeaways
- Gain practical tools to streamline demand management in emergency departments.
- understand the implications of new national hospital access targets.
- Benchmark strategies against leading emergency services in Australia.
- Explore innovative solutions like predictive demand planning and virtual ED models.
- Develop data-driven operational strategies to transform emergency care.
For more facts and registration details, visit here.
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