NSW Health is responsible for managing and funding health services in a wide range of settings, from multi-purpose health centres in remote communities to large metropolitan teaching hospitals.

There are more than 220 public hospitals and health services in NSW which provide free health care to Australian citizens and permanent residents. Services provided at public hospitals may include emergency care, elective and emergency surgery, medical treatment, maternity services, and rehabilitation programs.

Some services require admission to hospital either as a day patient or overnight. Other services may be provided on an outpatient basis.

The mix of services offered by an individual hospital will vary according to both the size of the local population and the services offered by other hospitals in the area.

Find out what happens when you go to hospital or to an emergency department, the questions you should ask, and what to do if you need an ambulance. We also provide data on how our hospitals are performing.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​