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Sydney hospital blunder: 3,400 emails unchecked, 16 surgery patients missed deadlines
An unmonitored inbox at Sydney's Canterbury Hospital held about 3,400 emails, including 16 delayed elective-surgery referrals, prompting a public apology from the Sydney Local Health District.
Why it matters
Of the 16 patients affected, four were Category One urgent cases (surgery recommended within 30 days) and 12 were Category Two semi-urgent cases (within 90 days). They missed clinically recommended timeframes because their referrals sat in an unchecked inbox. The Australian Medical Association's NSW branch warned the delays pose a significant risk to some patients.
Full report
The incident occurred at Canterbury Hospital in southwest Sydney. The Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) discovered that an unmonitored inbox contained about 3,400 emails, including 16 patient referrals for surgical admission, some dating back to late 2025.
SLHD chief executive Deborah Willcox said a review was launched as soon as the problem was identified. All affected patients are being contacted, treating surgeons have been asked to clinically review each case, and admission dates have been urgently allocated. The district promised clearer staff accountabilities, strengthened governance, enhanced monitoring and increased executive oversight.
AMA NSW president and surgeon Fred Betros said the delay posed a significant risk: "They're people who could have, or do have cancers, they need a bypass." The district said patient safety and wellbeing remain its highest priorities.
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