Ambulances and paramedics are spending less time stuck at hospital emergency departments, new data from Ambulance Tasmania (AT) suggests.
According to the latest monthly reporting figures, the average time ambulances are spending at hospitals has decreased significantly over the last 12 months.
In August last year, ambulances were spending an average of 54.5 minutes at hospitals, while in August 2024, that number had dropped to 34.7 minutes.
Health Minister Guy Barnett said the improvements are evident at all hospitals across the state, particularly at the Royal.
“At the Royal Hobart Hospital alone, the average time at hospital for ambulances was reduced to 39 minutes for August 2024 – down significantly from 63.6 minutes 12 months ago,” he said.
“[This is] the first time since reporting began that it has been under 40 minutes,” Barnett said.
Barnett said the improvements are a result of the Transfer of Care Procedure, which was implemented in April this year.
“It means ambulances are spending significantly less time stuck at hospitals and more time in the community helping Tasmanians where they belong,” he said.
While the data shows a positive trend in hospital ramping times, it also indicates a slight increase in emergency response times.
In July 2023, the median emergency response time was 14.6 minutes, while in July 2024, it had increased to 15.3 minutes.
In the same time period, the total number of incidents rose from 7,731 to 8,389.
Barnett acknowledged the fluctuating ramping figures and said the state government will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“While we know there will be fluctuations day to day, week to week … we will continue to take a measured approach as we continue on our way to the national best-practice benchmark of 30 minutes,” he said.
