The decline has been attributed to an information campaign advising Far South Coast locals and visitors on how to access emergency health care.

Southern NSW Local Health District (LHD) statistics show a two per cent decrease in the numbers attending the Valley’s emergency health care facilities over this holiday period. 

On 2015’s Boxing Day, 70 people were treated at the Bega District Hospital’s emergency department, which was almost double the previous December’s average of 40 people. Then on New Year’s eve and day last season the hospital had 95 presentations. 

On Monday, the LHD’s chief executive Janet Compton praised the local community and visitors for taking note of the information released throughout the Valley.

“To avoid confusion with the changes to the Bega Valley Health Service since the opening of South East Regional Hospital last March, the Summer Plan set out where best to go for treatment, depending of the seriousness of the injury or illness,” she said.

“Despite a busy summer season, the Bega Valley Health Service managed it well.

“The success included improved waiting times for patients requiring immediate treatment at South East Regional Hospital, largely due to constant contact between South East Regional Hospital and NSW Ambulance, using new technology at the hospital.”

Ms Compton thanked the health service’s staff for their dedication over the season, especially those who volunteered to take on extra shifts.

But while management claimed a successful season for patient care, there have been reports the regional hospital is suffering troubles on a staff level. 

Last September workers at SERH walked off the job to demand more staff and this week one nurse came forward to apologise on behalf of all their colleagues for recent concerns at the hospital.