Going to hospital isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. But the idea of seeking care while ill or injured only to find those treating you are harried, overworked, stressed and at greater risk of making medical errors will fill many with dread.

This is increasingly the case for patients at NSW hospitals. Bed block is widespread, and the latest Bureau of Health Information data revealed on Wednesday that hospitals are failing new wait-time targets set by the state government in the face of a record number of patients needing emergency and urgent medical care.

While the statewide picture is grim, health editor Kate Aubusson reveals that alarm bells are sounding loudly at one of the most controversial institutions: the Northern Beaches Hospital.

Emergency department and wards are described........

© The Sydney Morning Herald