-
About BHI
About BHI
We report independently on the performance of the NSW healthcare system to inform improvements to care for patients, and enhance transparency and accountability
EVENT
-
Reports
Reports
Our reports show where the healthcare system is performing well and where there are opportunities to improve care for patients
Latest report
-
Patient surveys
Patient surveys
Find out what thousands of people have told us about their healthcare experiences in NSW. The results show where public health services are performing well and where they need to improve
Latest survey results
-
Media
Media
See our latest media releases or get in touch with the team regarding our healthcare performance reports and data
Latest MEDIA RELEASE
Latest quarterly report shows NSW public health system experiencing record demand
Released: 11 March 2026
Find out more
How BHI data is used
The Bureau of Health Information (BHI) provides independent insights into the activity and performance of the NSW public health system.
Our data is used to guide policy, shape services and support improvements that matter to patients and communities. In doing so, BHI improves transparency of the system and strengthens accountability.
See below for an overview of how BHI data is being used. This includes case studies outlining some of the inspirational work happening locally in places across NSW to improve care for patients and the words of some of those responsible for that work, in the following areas:
Delivering useful insights
As an independent and trusted source of information on the NSW public health system, BHI delivers objective, high–quality analysis. Our work is supported by rigorous processes that ensure the accuracy and reliability of our public reporting.
We publish our results openly and in varied formats to ensure policymakers, clinicians, researchers and the community can access and use them for a wide range of purposes. We also help stakeholders source results of most interest to their locality and areas of expertise through briefings, information sessions and responses to individual requests.
Case studies
Building data capabilities and safety intelligence
Hunter New England Local Health District is embedding BHI data into governance, communication and safety intelligence frameworks to strengthen its ability to deliver safer, patient–centred care.
Read moreStakeholder perspectives
BHI’s work means that NSW can position itself as a national leader. No one else is doing this type of work when we talk with other jurisdictions across Australia. The way that you present your work is extremely usable. I share the BHI website nationally and internationally.
BHI patient surveys are among the best state– and country–wide analyses of patient experience data I’ve seen. The results are very easy for us to use and access, and there is a wealth of information available.
Informing improvement
BHI data supports continuous improvement across the NSW public health system by showing stakeholders where care is working well and where change is needed. Our analysis highlights variation, identifies opportunities for improvement and provides meaningful insights that inform actions at the local and state level.
This includes the NSW Patient Survey Program, which provides valuable insights into patients’ views of their experiences of care with hospitals and other healthcare services. BHI also carries out additional analysis of survey results, for example, to determine which measures are the key drivers of patients’ positive ratings of their overall care.
Health system managers and policy makers across NSW use the data to develop strategies and implement changes to improve healthcare and deliver better outcomes for patients.
Case studies
Enhancing discharge planning
Central Coast Local Health District is using BHI’s patient survey data to redesign discharge planning at Gosford Hospital, aimed at improving patients’ experiences, reducing length of stay and enhancing staff collaboration.
Read more
Improving food experiences
HealthShare NSW is using BHI’s Adult Admitted Patient Survey in innovative ways to learn about patients’ experiences of food services and measure the impact of changes to food service programs.
Read moreStakeholder perspectives
BHI’s mortality data are very helpful for clinicians and also Board members. If one of our hospitals is flagged as having higher or lower than expected mortality for a certain condition, you immediately want to know what’s going on. The results also give clinicians confidence in the feedback loop for improvement.
Analysis of BHI’s Adult Admitted Patient Survey helps us take targeted action to improve patients’ experiences of food services at a strategic level and measure the impact of that action.
Building trust and shared understanding
Transparency regarding the performance of the public health system is instrumental in preserving customer trust and confidence in the public health system and the NSW Government. BHI’s public reporting informs the public conversation and provides opportunities for engagement around both achievements and challenges.
Case studies
Communicating clearly with the community
Through its assessment of activity and performance results in Healthcare Quarterly, Murrumbidgee Local Health District has been able to provide clear communication to the local community about important services.
Read more
Enhancing information for Aboriginal patients
Northern NSW Local Health District’s Aboriginal Health Leadership Team has used information about Aboriginal patients’ experiences collected as part of BHI’s Adult Admitted Patient Survey to inform improvement efforts.
Read moreStakeholder perspectives
It is excellent that NSW Health provides such detailed information about its system’s performance to the public. The data provided by the BHI through its online data portal is significantly more detailed and timely than comparable figures provided in other states.
Editorial 2025
The Murrumbidgee Local Health District Communications team evaluates the BHI data and aligns it with community priorities, which allows us to make meaningful improvements to the care which we provide to the people of Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Executive Director Medical Services, Murrumbidgee Local Health District