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EMERGENCY

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Ambulances are the safest way to be assessed, treated and transported to the right hospital for the care you need.

Triple zero (000) is a free call from any phone, mobile or phone box.

For less severe but still urgent situations, go to an Emergency Department.

There are 12 public hospital Emergency Departments in Northern NSW Local Health District and they are all available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency departments are located at:

daniel
Published: 13 May 2025

With International Day of the Midwife on 5 May and International Nurses Day on 12 May, it's the month to recognise the incredible work of the District’s nurses and midwives.

Nurse leaders like Daniel O’Flynn are a shining example of what makes these healthcare workers so special.

A passionate leader with a career spanning more than two decades, Daniel recently stepped up to take on the role of Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery for the Clarence Health Service.  

It's a job that sees him support the teams at Grafton Base Hospital and Maclean District Hospital.

While his substantive role is Assistant Director of Nursing for Medicine and Critical Care at Tweed Valley Hospital, since January he’s been busy leading Clarence nurses.

He’s managing nursing budgets, building a positive, supportive culture, and championing patient care by staying connected with staff and patients on the floor. 

“I believe in a leadership approach that remains grounded in the realities of the clinical environment, which is why I prioritise spending time with staff and patients on the wards,” Daniel said. 

Daniel’s nursing career began in 2001 at Westmead Hospital in Sydney. 

Throughout the years, he’s worked across Australia and internationally from Alice Springs to King’s College and St Mary’s Hospital in London, bringing a depth of experience and a spirit of adventure to everything he does. 

He’s been in leadership roles since 2015, guided by a strong belief in lifelong learning and teamwork.

Daniel said one of his proudest achievements as a leader has been building better pathways for mentoring and development, ensuring every nurse and midwife has the support they need to thrive.

“Both Grafton and Maclean Hospitals share the significant recruitment and retention challenges common across Northern NSW and the wider state,” he said.

“Part of my role is proactively addressing these issues by developing and implementing workforce-building strategies. 

“For instance, a key focus is cultivating a supportive work environment that actively promotes staff growth and development through mentorship programs and professional development opportunities.”

When he’s not leading Clarence teams, you’ll find Daniel soaking up the Northern NSW lifestyle by kicking a footy with his kids, exploring national parks and making the most of the coast with his family.

After moving here in 2021 to be closer to family, Daniel said the community and lifestyle have been everything he had hoped for.

“Living in the Northern NSW region, it’s truly a gift,” he said.