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Ambulance resources questioned as Traralgon man forced to take taxi to hospital

Melina Bath's concern to Latrobe Regional Hospital's ambulance response

By news@gippsland - 26th May 2016 - Back to News

Traralgon man Allan Edgar was at home in extreme pain when his wife Denise called Latrobe Regional Hospital concerned for his welfare.

Ms Edgar was connected with Nurse On Call who immediately called an ambulance.

"My constituent states that approximately five minutes after the call, ambulance officers phoned this lady asking whether she could drive her husband to hospital as they could not attend in a short amount of time," Ms Bath told the parliament.

"Ms Edgar, does not have a driver’s licence, and questioned whether she should call a taxi but was told an ambulance would be there as soon as possible.

"Under severe stress with her husband in pain, which she says he passed out from, Ms Edgar called a taxi and cancelled the ambulance 15 minutes after the paramedics called her."

Mr Edgar was admitted to Latrobe Regional Hospital with a bladder obstruction.

"I know our local paramedics are extremely dedicated and work hard to care for the well-being of our communities under pressure, however it is very concerning that someone in a situation such as the Edgars are left to cope by themselves," Ms Bath said.

"This Labor government needs to ensure our ambulance officers are well-resourced to be able to respond quickly and care for our communities to the best of their abilities."

In parliament yesterday Ms Bath asked the Minister for Health: "What is this Labor Government doing to increase regional resources and reduce ambulance response times which seem to be blowing out in the country under this city-centric government?"

Member for Morwell Russell Northe praised the work of local paramedics but said they were under re-sourced.

"They really do a fantastic job with the resources they’re allocated and it’s therefore imperative this Government support our paramedics with proper resources so this type of situation isn’t a regular occurrence," Mr Northe said.

Photo Caption:Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath with Allan and Denise Edgar who are questioning ambulance resources in the Latrobe Valley after the Edgars were left to call a taxi to travel to hospital.

Media Contact: Renee Switzer 5174 7066

Member for Eastern Victoria Region

Melina Bath

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com