Shellharbour Hospital
A public hospital in New South Wales.
About this hospital
- State or territory
- New South Wales
- Health network
- Illawarra Shoalhaven
- Status
- Open
- Also known as
- Shellharbour; Wollongong
Waiting times by urgency category
Each tile shows one measure for all planned surgery at this hospital in one urgency category.
Your treating specialist gives you an urgency category. You do not choose it. Surgery in category 1 is recommended within 30 days, category 2 within 90 days and category 3 within 365 days.
A rank compares this hospital with the other public hospitals that published the same figure for the same period. The page shows a rank only on a current published figure. It never ranks a withheld or unreported figure. It also never ranks a figure from an earlier period.
- Median wait: Category 1, urgent
- 21 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank193rd of 234 nationally
Change on the year before+1 day
- Median wait: Category 2, semi-urgent
- 73 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank188th of 245 nationally
Change on the year before+9 days
- Median wait: Category 3, non-urgent
- 358 days2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank233rd of 246 nationally
Change on the year before+42 days
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 1, urgent
- 99%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank107th of 234 nationally
Change on the year before-1 percentage points
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 2, semi-urgent
- 78%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank140th of 245 nationally
Change on the year before-5 percentage points
- Treated within the recommended time: Category 3, non-urgent
- 65%2024–25, released 19 August 2026
Rank209th of 246 nationally
Change on the year before-24 percentage points
Waiting times by procedure
The shortest median wait comes first. A procedure with no published figure follows, in name order.
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Procedure | Median wait | Waiting more than 365 days | Patients treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast lump - excision and/or biopsy | 27 daysRank 98th of 105 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 70 nationally | 60 surgeries |
| Mastectomy | 28 daysRank 92nd of 97 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 16 surgeries |
| Large loop excision of the transformation zone cervix (LLETZ) | 31 daysRank 52nd of 108 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 34 nationally | 58 surgeries |
| Hysteroscopy, dilatation and curettage | 35 daysRank 98th of 158 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 121 nationally | 288 surgeries |
| Skin lesion - excision of | 36 daysRank 148th of 214 nationally | 0.7%Rank 86th of 169 nationally | 134 surgeries |
| Cholecystectomy (open/laparoscopic) | 43 daysRank 62nd of 176 nationally | 0.0%Rank 1st of 123 nationally | 156 surgeries |
| Haemorrhoidectomy | 70 daysRank 55th of 109 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 28 surgeries |
| Trabeculectomy | 77 daysRank 16th of 19 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 13 surgeries |
| Carpal tunnel release | 88 daysRank 105th of 160 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 49 surgeries |
| Inguinal herniotomy/herniorrhaphy | 92 daysRank 123rd of 186 nationally | 3.9%Rank 75th of 123 nationally | 152 surgeries |
| Herniorrhaphy | 140 daysRank 123rd of 169 nationally | 3.4%Rank 55th of 105 nationally | 89 surgeries |
| Rotator cuff - repair of | 272 daysRank 34th of 40 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 20 surgeries |
| Hysterectomy (abdominal/vaginal/laparoscopic) | 311 daysRank 116th of 126 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 30 surgeries |
| Arthroscopy | 315 daysRank 148th of 150 nationally | 13.5%Rank 67th of 80 nationally | 52 surgeries |
| Cataract extraction (with or without intra-ocular lens insertion) | 319 daysRank 116th of 132 nationally | 22.5%Rank 101st of 119 nationally | 2,596 surgeries |
| Vaginal repair - anterior/posterior | 321 daysRank 45th of 66 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 23 surgeries |
| Ectropion - correction of | 332 daysRank 33rd of 37 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 17 surgeries |
| Dupytren's contracture release | 350 daysRank 55th of 63 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 28 surgeries |
| Nerve decompression | 356 daysRank 16th of 17 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 23 surgeries |
| Pterygium - excision of | 360 daysRank 57th of 65 nationally | 40.7%Rank 11th of 13 nationally | 59 surgeries |
| Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction | 390 daysRank 108th of 108 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 13 surgeries |
| Anal fissure - repair of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Arthrodesis | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Axillary node dissection | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 8 surgeries |
| Bartholin's abscess drainageEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Blepharoplasty | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 6 surgeries |
| Breast prosthesis - removal of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Breast reconstruction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Breast reduction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Bunion (hallux valgus) - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2020–21, released 19 August 2026 |
| Chalazion - excision ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2019–20, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2019–20, released 19 August 2026 |
| CircumcisionEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Cone biopsy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Curettage and evacuation of uterusEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| CystectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| CystoscopyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Dermoid cyst - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Diathermy of wart/s | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Endometrial ablation | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Epididymal cyst - removal ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Examination of eye under anaesthesiaEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2020–21, released 19 August 2026 |
| Exostosis - excision ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2016–17, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2016–17, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2016–17, released 19 August 2026 |
| Female sterilisationEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Fracture non-union - treatment ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2023–24, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2023–24, released 19 August 2026 |
| Ganglion - excision of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| Hammer/claw/mallet toe - correction ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2020–21, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2020–21, released 19 August 2026 |
| Hydrocele - repair ofEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2017–18, released 19 August 2026 |
| Laparoscopy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 9 surgeries |
| MyomectomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| OsteotomyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2018–19, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2018–19, released 19 August 2026 |
| Pilonidal sinus surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Procedure for strabismus (squint repair)Earlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Ptosis - repair of | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 6 surgeries |
| Repair of obstructing hiatus hernia | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 8 surgeries |
| RhinoplastyEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2017–18, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2017–18, released 19 August 2026 |
| Salpingo-oophorectomy/oophorectomy/ovarian cystectomy | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 5 surgeries |
| Scar revision | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Shoulder joint replacementEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2021–22, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2021–22, released 19 August 2026 |
| Shoulder reconstruction | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Tendon release | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Toenail surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Trigger finger/thumb release | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 5 surgeries |
| Varicose veins treatmentEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2012–13, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2012–13, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2012–13, released 19 August 2026 |
| Vitrectomy (including buckling/cryotherapy) | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
Waiting times by specialty
The shortest median wait comes first. A specialty with no published figure follows, in name order.
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Specialty | Median wait | Waiting more than 365 days | Patients treated |
|---|---|---|---|
| General surgery | 48 daysRank 157th of 235 nationally | 1.5%Rank 123rd of 214 nationally | 719 surgeries |
| Gynaecology | 48 daysRank 112th of 191 nationally | 2.7%Rank 111th of 159 nationally | 449 surgeries |
| Plastic surgery | 121 daysRank 104th of 110 nationally | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | 44 surgeries |
| Orthopaedic surgery | 283 daysRank 164th of 177 nationally | 17.3%Rank 131st of 162 nationally | 248 surgeries |
| Ophthalmology | 322 daysRank 129th of 141 nationally | 22.5%Rank 118th of 135 nationally | 2,715 surgeries |
| Ear, nose and throat surgeryEarlier period | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure2022–23, released 19 August 2026 | not published: too few patients2022–23, released 19 August 2026 |
| Other surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
| Paediatric surgery | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare did not publish a figure | not published: too few patients |
How waits have changed
Each chart shows one figure for each year the source published it. A year with no published figure is a gap in the line, and the table under the chart gives the reason.
- Category 1, urgent
- Category 2, semi-urgent
- Category 3, non-urgent
Show the figures as a table
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Financial year | Category 1, urgent | Category 2, semi-urgent | Category 3, non-urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 20 days | 56 days | 224 days |
| 2012–13 | 19 days | 62 days | 243 days |
| 2013–14 | 20 days | 60 days | 246 days |
| 2014–15 | 17 days | 61 days | 272 days |
| 2015–16 | 15 days | 59 days | 288 days |
| 2016–17 | 16 days | 56 days | 294 days |
| 2017–18 | 16 days | 62 days | 308 days |
| 2018–19 | 15 days | 63 days | 314 days |
| 2019–20 | 17 days | 60 days | 348 days |
| 2020–21 | 17 days | 74 days | 319 days |
| 2021–22 | 16 days | 61 days | 315 days |
| 2022–23 | 16 days | 63 days | 309 days |
| 2023–24 | 20 days | 64 days | 316 days |
| 2024–25 | 21 days | 73 days | 358 days |
- Category 1, urgent
- Category 2, semi-urgent
- Category 3, non-urgent
Show the figures as a table
This table scrolls sideways on a narrow screen.
| Financial year | Category 1, urgent | Category 2, semi-urgent | Category 3, non-urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | 92% | 98% | 99% |
| 2012–13 | 99% | 99% | 100% |
| 2013–14 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2014–15 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2015–16 | 100% | 100% | 99% |
| 2016–17 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2017–18 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2018–19 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2019–20 | 100% | 95% | 81% |
| 2020–21 | 97% | 94% | 92% |
| 2021–22 | 99% | 93% | 80% |
| 2022–23 | 99% | 86% | 77% |
| 2023–24 | 100% | 83% | 89% |
| 2024–25 | 99% | 78% | 65% |
Hospitals nearby
These are the open public hospitals nearest Shellharbour Hospital, nearest first. Each distance is measured in a straight line.
- Port Kembla Hospital9 kilometres away
- Kiama Hospital14 kilometres away
- Wollongong Hospital15 kilometres away
- Illawarra Mental Health Services15 kilometres away
- Bulli Hospital25 kilometres away
- David Berry Hospital27 kilometres away
- Coledale Hospital32 kilometres away
- Bowral Hospital39 kilometres away
What this page leaves out
Private hospitals are excluded. This page covers public hospitals only, so it shows no private hospital.
Before you use these figures
Surgery Waits is not medical advice. Your general practitioner and your treating specialist can help you decide what is right for you.
In an emergency, call 000.
Where this data comes from
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and urgency category, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and intended procedure, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-procedure/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Elective surgery waiting times by hospital and surgical specialty, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 20 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, elective surgery waiting times data extract, sourced 19 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-elective-surgery-waiting-times-by-specialty/v/2026-10-20/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Hospitals, Local Hospital Networks and Primary Health Networks in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 3 October 2026
- Data released
- 19 August 2026
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, mapping details extract, sourced 3 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-hospitals-myhospitals/v/2026-10-03/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reported measures and their codes in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reported measures, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reported-measures/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit mappings to health networks and states in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-unit-mappings/v/2026-10-27/
- Dataset on publicdata.au
- Reporting unit codes and alternative names in MyHospitals, Australia
- Publisher
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Version
- 27 October 2026
- Data released
- The publisher gives no release date for this dataset.
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0
- How to cite this data
- Based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare material. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Government, MyHospitals Data API, reporting units, sourced 26 October 2026, https://myhospitalsapi.aihw.gov.au/, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Serialised and versioned by National Digital at publicdata.au, https://publicdata.au/d/au-myhospitals-reporting-units/v/2026-10-27/