New data reveals Queenslanders are facing extensive delays in emergency departments across the state, with some patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital waiting over 14 hours for treatment.
The figures, spanning December to March, highlight a system under strain despite some improvements at individual hospitals.
One patient at Princess Alexandra Hospital waited more than 14 hours in February, while two others experienced waits exceeding 10.5 hours. Similar delays were recorded at other major hospitals: Bundaberg Hospital saw a patient wait 13 hours, while both Redland and Logan hospitals had patients wait 10 hours.
The LNP has criticised Health Minister Shannon Fentiman for the delays, pointing to record-high ambulance ramping in the March quarter. However, Ms Fentiman emphasised the global trend of increasing emergency department presentations, noting a significant decrease in patients waiting over 24 hours for treatment.
Ms Fentiman cited factors like an aging population, declining private health coverage, and complex conditions. She reassured the public that all category one patients are seen within the designated timeframes.
While the shortest wait times at hospitals across the state were as brief as one minute, the opposition health spokeswoman, Ros Bates, described the health system as “languishing on life support.” She blamed the government for the lack of improvement and promised the LNP would address the “health crisis.”
In response to the growing demand, the state government’s recent budget allocated a significant 10.6% increase in Queensland Health’s operating funding, well above the historical average. This includes a $1.14 billion investment to improve patient flow and increase bed capacity.
Published Date 10-July-2024
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