Last week, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College), released five solutions for the crisis in Queensland’s emergency departments (EDs) and a backgrounder detailing the evidence behind these solutions. ACEM encouraged all sides of politics to commit to these recommendations so that more patients can get the care they need, faster.
In the leadup to the Queensland election on 26 October, ACEM has met with all major parties. Queensland’s emergency doctors have been pleased to hear that the state’s health crisis is high on all parties’ agendas, right across the political spectrum, for the upcoming state election.
ACEM welcomes the Queensland Greens’ endorsement of all five of the College’s priorities for the election.
ACEM Queensland Chair Dr Shantha Raghwan said, “The Queensland Greens have listened to emergency doctors, adopting all our recommendations aimed at improving patient flow through the health system. We know that if these measures are appropriately delivered and resourced, more people will get the healthcare they need, faster.”
ACEM also welcomes Queensland Labor’s commitment to boosting inpatient bed capacity across the state and recognising the workforce expansion needed to ensure all beds are operational. However, the College would like to see more detail about how these recruitment drives are planned. ACEM encourages Queensland Labor to ensure that this pledge keeps rural, regional, and remote areas front of mind as these areas are most significantly struggling with a lack of healthcare workers.
ACEM has called for $20 million invested over the next four years for more doctors to train and specialise in emergency medicine, ensuring that more healthcare workers train in Queensland and then stay in Queensland.
“Healthcare workforce shortages are one of the biggest issues facing emergency departments and the health system across Queensland. Investing in doctors to train and specialise in emergency medicine, and increasing inpatient and allied health support workers, would help support and restore Queensland’s healthcare workforce and help make EDs safer for all,” Dr Raghwan said.
ACEM also welcomes the Liberal National Party’s announcement that it will focus on reducing ambulance ramping and measures aimed at achieving a 7-day hospital model, however further details are needed of how this will implemented.
Ambulance ramping is a complex issue and will only be reduced by implementing solutions to access block and ACEM encourages all political parties to consider expert advice from clinicians.
The College has also called for an Access Block Review to be completed by the end of 2025, including identified solutions, as well as the state-wide implementation of Hospital Access Targets replacing the National Emergency Access Target.
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
Media Contact:
Helen Johnson, Manager, Media and Publications
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