UPDATE: Victoria’s healthcare system is set for a significant overhaul as the state government just announced a critical $50 million funding package to address the alarming ambulance ramping crisis affecting patients statewide. Major regional hospitals including Ballarat, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Geelong, Shepparton, and Traralgon will receive essential resources to enhance their capacity to manage patient transfers and reduce emergency department congestion.
This urgent investment comes as data reveals that Victoria’s ambulance transfer times have deteriorated sharply since 2020. Currently, less than 60% of transfers are completed within the target time of 40 minutes, significantly lagging behind New South Wales, where 78% of transfers meet a tighter 30-minute target.
The funding is designed to improve patient flow and alleviate the backlog that forces ambulances to wait outside emergency departments, a situation known as “ramping.” Recently, Ballarat Base Hospital experienced a staggering 13 hours of ramping, with up to nine ambulances unable to offload patients, highlighting the urgent need for this intervention.
As part of the funding distribution, Grampians Health will receive $3.6 million to enhance its Short Stay Unit, ensuring patients can receive immediate care and observation, thereby reducing ambulance offload times. Albury Wodonga Health is set to benefit from $3.4 million, aimed at creating new beds for critical cases, including cardiac emergencies, supported by senior clinical staff.
Meanwhile, Bendigo Health will receive $1.1 million to improve wait times for patients needing emergency care without hospitalization, aiming to tackle the long delays currently plaguing the emergency department.
The situation is dire, particularly in regional areas. Data from the past 18 months shows that hospitals in Ballarat, Bendigo, and Albury have consistently recorded worse average transfer times than the state average, with only minor improvements noted recently. In stark contrast, Warrnambool has been a standout performer, achieving an average transfer time of just 19 minutes, significantly better than the statewide average.
The state government has set a target of 90% for ambulance transfers completed within 40 minutes, a goal that remains out of reach for many regional hospitals. Currently, Bendigo is achieving only 59%, with Albury and Ballarat at a concerning 51%.
This funding initiative is a response to the ongoing crisis and aims to ensure timely patient care, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Officials emphasize that these measures will not only improve patient outcomes but also restore confidence in the healthcare system, which is under immense pressure.
As the situation develops, community members are urged to stay informed about the ongoing changes and improvements in their local hospitals. The government’s commitment to these enhancements reflects a proactive approach to a crisis that has impacted countless lives.
The rollout of these funds and the implementation of new patient flow strategies will be closely monitored, with officials promising more updates as they become available. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and immediate action is vital to ensure the health and safety of all Victorians.
