Blacktown Hospital Apologizes After 70-Year-Old Man Found Sleeping on Floor Amid Healthcare Crisis
July 23, 2025
A 70-year-old man named Raymond was photographed sleeping on the floor of Blacktown Hospital in western Sydney, prompting an official apology from hospital authorities amid urgent calls for a review of the facility's conditions.
Raymond's daughter, Hayley Leatham, shared the distressing images on Facebook, revealing her father had waited over 24 hours with dangerously low haemoglobin levels, highlighting the severe strain on the public health system.
The Western Sydney Local Health District responded by issuing a formal apology to Raymond and expressed gratitude for the care provided by the hospital staff.
Jess Kybert, vice-president of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association at Blacktown Hospital, described the current conditions as the worst she has ever seen, citing severe staff burnout and a surge in patient numbers during winter as key factors.
This crisis has brought attention to the healthcare needs of the local population, which faces high rates of chronic illnesses and the ongoing impact of COVID-19, fueling calls for immediate action and support.
Political tensions have also surfaced, with Premier Chris Minns blaming the previous Coalition government for the hospital's issues, while opposition leaders are demanding an urgent review of Blacktown and Westmead hospitals, emphasizing the unique health challenges in Western Sydney.
Hospital officials stated that patients are triaged based on the severity of their conditions, though they acknowledged that long wait times remain a significant challenge for patients.
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news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Jul 23, 2025
‘Apology’ after 70yo slept on hospital floor