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Ambulance inquiry needed

The Upper House approved a motion for an inquiry into Ambulance Victoria's performance, workplace culture, and procurement practices, despite Labor's objections. Melina Bath highlights issues with response times and resource shortages.

By news@gippsland - 15th August 2024 - Back to News

The Upper House has passed The Nationals' and Liberal's motion to establish an inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices of Ambulance Victoria. The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said: "I'm pleased that despite Labor's objections, the Upper House of the Victorian Parliament supported this important inquiry."

Gippsland paramedics are concerned about the lack of MICA coverage east of Morwell at night. Taxis are replacing ambulances, and fire trucks respond to emergency calls

Ambulance crisis deepens

Ms Bath said, "There have been major issues with ambulance response times, regular ramping outside hospital emergency departments and ongoing delays in Triple Zero calls being answered. Under Labor, morale within Ambulance Victoria has hit rock-bottom, and the service continues to be woefully under-resourced. Gippsland paramedics have raised their deep concern with the gap in MICA paramedic coverage east of Morwell during the night."

"Taxis are being called to replace ambulances in regional Victoria, and fire trucks are being despatched to triple zero calls. Over the past six years ambulance response times have continue to decline in Eastern Victoria to worrisome levels. Labor cannot manage money and cannot manage our health system, and regional Victorians continue to pay the price," said Ms Bath.

The vote in the Legislative Council passed 23 to 13. The Legal and Social Issues Committee will inquire into these and other related matters and report back to Parliament by 31 August 2025.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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