NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has declined to comment on Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader’s renewed call for urgent upgrades to Ballina District Hospital — but the local community is speaking loudly in his place.

Hundreds of frustrated residents have taken to social media to slam the poor condition of the hospital and the lack of meaningful state government investment, describing it as “a triage centre,” “a parking station for Panadol,” and a place where patients are told not to bother showing up.

Among the worst experiences shared:

“They sent me home twice with a gangrene gall bladder,” said Carolyn Easton Gazzard.

“Ballina Hospital has long stopped being a hospital as we know it,” said Warren Lindsay, who was left without treatment after suffering multiple strokes.

“My mum died in there… the power points were sparking. I reported it, the nurse just shrugged,” wrote Roslyn Burtenshaw.

The mayor’s original comments — reported first by Ballina News Daily — drew overwhelming public support and triggered a torrent of new complaints.

Phil Donoghoe described the hospital as “just a triage facility with minimal medical support” that frequently redirects patients to Lismore Base Hospital.
Helen Von Meyer-Moore recalled being told “don’t bring her here” when seeking help for an elderly relative.
Janet Parkinson said she was one of only two patients occupying two wards after surgery, cared for by just two nurses overnight.

Michael Robinson highlighted the mounting costs of relying on overstretched ambulance services to shuttle patients between towns, calling it “an ongoing expense that no one seems to be calculating properly.”

With Ballina’s population booming and its demographic skewing older, residents are asking why their hospital isn’t keeping pace.

“We are not a small country town anymore,” said Sharon Munro.
“This should be at the top of the list in the Northern Rivers region.”

Others, like Colin Littlefield, pointed to a critical lack of specialists. “We need a hospital that can do major operations — this one can’t,” he said.

In response to questions from Ballina News Daily, the Minister’s office referred the matter to Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Tracey Maisey, who offered a vague assurance that Ballina’s role in the hospital network is being “strengthened.”

She urged residents to give feedback on the district’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, available online until July 31.

But for many, consultation isn’t enough.

Mayor Cadwallader says she’s determined to meet with Minister Park face-to-face — and if necessary, will stage a sit-in at NSW Parliament.

“The messages I’ve received from the public paint a dire picture,” the Mayor said.

“It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about restoring basic services and supporting exhausted staff who are doing the best they can in crumbling conditions.”