'Cycle of crisis': emergency departments' stress grows

Waiting times in public hospital emergency departments have posted their worst result on record. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Sick patients are facing record waiting times in public hospital emergency departments, with data showing performance has slumped to its worst level on record.

Patients needing immediate care are not being triaged fast enough, with only 50 per cent treated and discharged within four hours, according to the Australian Medical Association's 2026 Public Hospital Report Card.