Emergency doctors are urging political parties contesting the 2024 Queensland election to commit to fixes that protect and restore Queensland’s struggling EDs and staff – and get more people the timely and safe emergency care they need.
The doctors, from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM; the College), have determined solutions for problems plaguing Queensland’s health system that have led to extended, dangerous waits for care, ambulance ramping and staff burnout in emergency departments (EDs).
ACEM is calling for political parties contesting the 2024 Queensland election to commit to:
- At least 2500 more safely staffed inpatient hospital beds added over the next four years, allocated according to operational need across the state.
- $20 million invested over the next four years for more doctors to train and specialise in emergency medicine.
- A 20 per cent increase in full-time inpatient specialist and allied health support workers in the public hospital system and available outside of normal business hours.
- The Hospital Access Targets replacing the National Emergency Access Target and implemented state-wide.
- An Access Block Review completed by the end of 2025, with identified solutions such as ED admission rights, inter-hospital transfers, overcensus on wards, inpatient KPIs and access to diagnostics outside business hours actioned as a priority.
ACEM Queensland Chair Dr Shantha Raghwan said, “Waiting rooms are full, ambulances are ramped and emergency department staff are experiencing burnout. We know that the challenges in healthcare are complex and long-standing – we see the reality of this every day, every night, every weekend and every public holiday. The public deserves a better system.
"This election, we call on political parties to commit to implementing ACEM’s evidence-based solutions to Queensland emergency department woes. We know what effective health reform could look like. Let’s work together to coordinate care better and improve outcomes for all Queenslanders.
“Our emergency departments are under unprecedented pressure. We’re seeing huge population growth – and a population that is getting older and having more complex health needs. Growing demand means our overwhelmed hospitals need more beds, more staff and more resources to provide the world-class service expected by Queenslanders, no matter where they live.
“Queensland can’t wait any longer.”
ACEM will support pledges that align with these five solutions and invites political parties to work with Queensland’s emergency doctors on implementing the fixes across the state.
ACEM has also published a Queensland election backgrounder, which explores the evidence behind these solutions. To download Queensland Election 2024: Queensland’s emergency departments can’t wait any longer, click here.
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 [email protected] + 61 427 621 857