ACEM also welcomes the federal recognition that EDs are under extraordinary, and unsustainable, pressure and that this poses significant risks to patient wellbeing.
The College has repeatedly drawn attention to the dangerous problem of access block – the greatest challenge to the health systems in Australia – and hopes this investment will contribute towards lessening the impacts of access block, and improving patient safety and experience in Australian EDs.
To ease the strain on EDs, ACEM also encourages the Australian Government to invest in improvements to the NDIS, aged care, mental health and primary care as deficits in each of these areas are significant contributors to the strain on EDs.
ACEM President Dr Clare Skinner said, “We look forward to working with the Australian Government to enact meaningful solutions to access block and hospital crowding which are, by far, the most significant issues impacting patient safety and clinician wellbeing and workforce sustainability in Australian EDs.”
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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