Latest ambulance data reveals persistent delays
Victoria's latest Ambulance Transfer Data for October to December 2024 highlights ongoing delays in ambulance-to-emergency department handovers and treatment times, with transfer times still higher than in March 2024.
Despite the Allan Labor Government's claims of improved performance, the latest figures show statewide transfer performance has remained consistently in the 65-70 per cent range - meaning one in three patients are not receiving timely care.
Key Findings:
- Transfers within 40 minutes continue to fall well below the target, underscoring persistent system-wide issues.
- The total number of emergency department (ED) arrivals by ambulance has gradually declined across 2024, yet transfer delays remain.
- No quarter in 2024 met the target of 80 per cent of patients being treated within the recommended time, with performance hovering at 65-70 per cent.
- The data confirms the system is still failing to meet efficiency benchmarks.
- Despite a reduced patient load, hospitals continue to struggle to meet the 40-minute transfer target, highlighting ongoing inefficiencies.
Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier said the latest figures show the system remains far from meeting crucial benchmarks.
"The government keeps shifting blame, but the reality is patients are still waiting too long for care," Ms Crozier said.
"Instead of fixing the root causes, the government's response has been to penalise health services for failing to meet targets - yet it's patients who are ultimately paying the price.
"It shouldn't be this hard to get patients transferred and treated on time."
The Allan Labor Government continues to avoid scrutiny by failing to ensure full and transparent reporting of health agency data.
For the second consecutive quarter, the published health services data is incomplete, including missing data from Albury Wodonga Health, Northern Health and the Royal Women's Hospital.
The figures highlight a system still in crisis, with deep-rooted dysfunction in the Department of Health. Without systemic reform - including addressing hospital capacity, improving staffing levels, and streamlining ED processes - these failures will continue.
