Ambulances ramped, Queenslanders waiting under LNP as cuts loom

• Ambulance ramping data shows ramping increasing under LNP

• Whistleblowers last week revealed hundreds of calls to ambulances also left pending

• Comes as LNP cuts, delays and downsizes major health projects

Ambulance ramping has increased again under the LNP despite their promises to drive it down.

Since the LNP took government, ambulance ramping has jumped more than two per cent at the state’s top facilities, going from 38.3 per cent in November to 40.5 per cent in January.

It means more Queenslanders are being left in ambulances waiting for urgent healthcare at hospitals despite media releases by the LNP trying to muddy the waters.

It’s a stark contrast to the Miles Labor Government where record health investment saw ramping decrease 6.2 per cent at top facilities in the six months before the election.

The data comes as whistleblowers also came forward last week to media saying that more than 180 calls to the Queensland Ambulance Service were left pending.

They claimed 155 jobs were still outstanding after that weekend and that people who were reporting chest pains had been told to get themselves to the nearest hospital.

Despite the shocking data, the LNP Government has ordered a review into Labor’s new builds and expansions right throughout the Sunshine State like the Queensland Cancer Centre.

That review is yet to be released to Queenslanders, with the government keeping secret what projects will be cut.

Labor confirmed last week though, that tradies have been let go and works have stopped on the Redcliffe Hospital Expansion.

That’s while media reports revealed health projects like the Queensland Cancer Centre could be delayed to 2031 while builds like the new Bundaberg Hospital are being downscaled and re-scoped.

Quotes attributable to Opposition Leader Steven Miles:

“The LNP said they would drive-down ambulance ramping, the Premier said there would be no health cuts. He said he would honour Labor’s commitment to add a further 2,200 beds by 2028.

“Since then, ambulance ramping has continued to increase while healthcare is being cut, downsized and delayed, and his own Health Minister has admitted they won’t deliver on the beds they promised.

“They even said the would add ambulance ramping to real-time data, they haven’t.

“It’s just another day and another broken promise from the Premier whose words mean nothing.”

Quotes attributable to Shadow Health Minister Mark Bailey:

“The LNP might try and cherry pick data, but the reality is ramping has gone up since they took the reins, meaning Queenslanders are waiting longer for urgent healthcare.

“We’re also hearing real concerns that behind the scenes they’re trying to change the way patients are dealt with to manipulate the stats.

“Tim Nicholls has spent all of his first six months attacking Labor, cutting services and staff, all while there’s been no investment in new beds, new infrastructure or new ambos.”

ENDS