Paramedics across Tasmania have started industrial action in response to the ongoing issue of ambulance ramping.
The move coincides with the release of an interim action plan the state government have produced that aims to address the crisis, but it has been criticised as ‘just words’ that fail to address serious staffing issues affecting hospital and ambulance workers by those at the front line.
The plan recommends speeding up patient discharges, improving patient flow, and finding alternative methods for treating aged care patients.
“The purpose of this review was to allow external experts to independently examine the policies, protocols, systems, and culture within our four major health facilities,” Health Minister Guy Barnett said.
The Health and Community Sector Union (HACSU) have slammed the plan for not providing additional staff, which they believe is needed.
“Ambulance workers launched industrial action at 7am today, demanding urgent solutions for short staffing and ramping,” the HACSU said yesterday morning.
“Paramedics and other ambulance workers are burnt out and exhausted working within this broken health system, but the Government are still ignoring the danger to our ambos and our community.”
“That’s why we’re taking industrial action to fight for change. You will see us chalking slogans on ambulances, wearing pink union t-shirts, and speaking out publicly about the real state of health.”
“We desperately need to fix hospital ramping, as well as all the serious issues with recruitment, resourcing, fatigue and training within Ambulance Tasmania that endanger our services and put all of us at risk.”
If there is no response from the government, paramedics say they may consider ramping up their industrial action.
