In a fantastic result for the community, new data has confirmed the Tasmanian Government's Transfer of Care protocol is working to free up our paramedics and reduce ramping at all our major hospitals across the State.
The end of year data for 2023-24 confirmed ambulances spent 9,276 less hours ramped when compared to 2022-23, with decreases at all four major public hospitals.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, hailed the positive data and thanked our dedicated healthcare staff who have worked hard through this change to make this possible.
"This is a fantastic outcome and is more proof that our nation-leading Transfer of Care Procedure, implemented on 22 April this year, is working," Minister Barnett said.
"It means Tasmanian ambulances and paramedics have been available 9,276 more hours for Tasmanians that need them in the community - a reduction of 25.3 per cent compared to the prior year, with decreases at all four major public hospitals.
"Put simply, no one can say the new protocol isn't working to reduce ramping - with statewide performance exceeding 80 per cent in both May and June 2024.
"While we know there will be fluctuations day to day, and week to week, we will continue to take a measured approach as we continue on our way to the national best-practice benchmark of 30-minutes.
"I want to thank our dedicated healthcare staff who are making this possible and I am grateful for the contributions of all stakeholders.
"Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we are committed to improving outcomes for Tasmanian patients and ensuring paramedics are freed up to do what they do best.
"We are investing a record $12.1 billion over the next four years to build a better health system and ensure Tasmanians have access to the health care they deserve."
The Transfer of Care Procedure was implemented following extensive consultation across Ambulance Tasmania, the Tasmanian Health Service (THS), and relevant union bodies, including the Health and Community Services Union, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Tas) and the Australian Medical Association (Tas).
