Given the major pressures that continue to confront the state’s healthcare system, the significant ongoing focus on healthcare in the leadup to November’s state election is needed.
ACEM Victoria Faculty Chair Dr Belinda Hibble said: “In implementing this pledge – and indeed any pledges relating to healthcare infrastructure – it will be crucial to ensure that any investment is truly matched with commensurate investment and planning in relation to workforce. Staff shortages remain a major and serious issue currently facing the system.”
“We are eager to see further information on the planned implementation of the investment, particularly in relation to workforce, and timelines.”
The College encourages all parties contesting the upcoming state election to work with ACEM, and other key health stakeholders, including consumers, on all policies, commitments and investments relating to the acute health system.
Every patient, carer, healthcare worker and hospital staff member needs a safe place to receive, support and deliver urgently needed healthcare.
ACEM has recently released five measures, that if implemented, could assist in reducing dangerous systemic issues that continue to lead to ambulance ramping, adverse patient outcomes, staff burnout, overly long waits for care and reduced safety for all patients, carers and staff.
The measures include 1,000 more fully staffed inpatient hospital beds (accessible to the ED) across Victoria, an appropriately trained 24/7 security guard posted at every Victorian ED and a 20% increase in full-time inpatient specialist and allied health support workers so that public patients can access these crucial services seven days per week, and outside business hours.
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