Fisherman's Paradise woman, Karen Tomlinson, said her eyes were opened to the plight of parents with sick kids, after she had to have her tonsils removed at the end of September 2019.
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Ms Tomlinson was placed on a 12-month wait list for surgery in Wollongong, as Shoalhaven Hospital relies on locum Ear Nose and Throat surgeons to provide elective surgery, and does not have the capacity for more complex surgeries.
"At the time, I had to sign some paperwork from the specialist which said I would remain within 25km of the hospital for 14 days after the procedure," Ms Tomlinson said.
On Thursday, September 19, Ms Tomlinson was told she could have her tonsillectomy on Thursday, September 26.
She attended the hospital on the day, but had not realised that the surgery would not be performed unless she could produce evidence of her Wollongong accommodation.
"I didn't realise how strict it was," she sasid.
"I was offered a phone to arrange accommodation, but there was hardly anything available at such late notice. What there was would have cost me more than $1000."
Ms Tomlinson said she was told by the hospital that Alkira Lodge - which provides accommodation for cancer and renal patients who have to travel for treatment - was not an option for her.
However, she said she later called the lodge and was told they may have been able to help.
"But they can't take people under 18," she said.
"What do parents of young children do? I understand the surgeons are looking out for you, but for families to have to leave their jobs and find accommodation for two weeks is really tough.
"The Shoalhaven is growing and it's not ok that we don't have that service.
"It's frustrating. We have a hospital in the Shoalhaven that can't provide vital services."
The Illawara-Shoalhaven Health District said they are recruiting for an ENT specialist in the Shoalhaven, but that it was "difficult": "Attracting and recruiting specialists to rural areas can be challenging for particular specialities such as ENT."
The health district did not confirm how long the Shoalhaven has been without and ENT for, or how long the recruitment process is expected to take.
