Ambos told to treat multiple patients

Reforms Aimed at Standardization and Improvement, Says Health Minister

On Tuesday, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas dismissed suggestions that recent reforms to patient transfer practices were an admission that the state had fallen short of best practices until now. Instead, she emphasized that the changes were focused on standardization and incremental improvement. "What we’re on about is scaling up what we know works. And that’s what the standards will deliver," Thomas said. The minister highlighted that the reforms were not about addressing past failures but rather about building on proven strategies to enhance efficiency and consistency across the healthcare system.

Thomas also announced that she would personally meet with hospitals that fail to meet their patient transfer targets. However, she clarified that the government would not immediately publish data on compliance with the new standards, even though the guidelines are now in effect for the state’s 17 busiest emergency departments. She reassured hospitals that they already have the necessary resources to implement the changes, stating, "They’ve got the resources that they need. It’s about changing … what they already do."

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

The Victorian Ambulance Union (VAU) welcomed the new standards but stressed the importance of accountability in ensuring their success. VAU secretary Danny Hill acknowledged that while some hospitals have made significant efforts to manage patient transfers efficiently, others have been less responsive to the needs of paramedics. "Some hospitals really work hard to get paramedics back on the road, but there are others that have seemed oblivious to the work paramedics need to do in the community," Hill said.

Hill pointed out that the "honour system" had not worked in the past and that stricter compliance measures were needed to prevent paramedics from being tied up at hospitals for extended periods. He also highlighted successful measures from other jurisdictions, such as placing senior doctors at triage and involving decision-makers early in the process. However, he cautioned that paramedics should not be expected to care for multiple patients in hospital corridors, as this is not a sustainable solution.

Ambulance Transfer Times Show Improvement, but Concerns Remain

The announcement of the new standards coincided with the release of quarterly data on ambulance transfer times by Victoria’s health information agency. The median transfer time between October and December last year was 27 minutes, down from 30 minutes in the previous quarter. However, Coalition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier noted that the latest figures were unchanged from earlier in the year, specifically January to March 2024. She criticized the government for failing to address the root causes of delays in patient care.

"The government keeps shifting blame, but the reality is patients are still waiting too long for care," Crozier said. She argued that instead of penalizing health services for missing targets, the government should focus on solving the underlying issues. "It shouldn’t be this hard to get patients transferred and treated on time," she added.

Paramedics’ Perspective: A Balance Between Efficiency and Safety

Ambulance Victoria chief executive Andrew Crisp acknowledged the challenges faced by paramedics, who are eager to return to the road and continue serving their communities. He explained that paramedics are willing to care for multiple patients in hospital corridors if it is safe to do so, as this can help reduce delays. However, he emphasized that this should not become a long-term solution, as it is not a sustainable or ideal arrangement.

Crisp underscored the importance of the new standards in achieving consistency across the healthcare system. "When it’s safe to do so, if we can use one or two paramedics to look after more than one patient, we will definitely be looking at doing that," he said. He also expressed confidence that the reforms would help streamline processes and improve the overall efficiency of patient transfers.

The Road Ahead: Accountability and Collaboration

While the new standards have been widely welcomed as a step in the right direction, their success will depend on several factors, including accountability, collaboration, and adequate support for healthcare workers. The government’s decision to delay the publication of compliance data has raised questions about transparency, but Thomas has made it clear that she will personally oversee the implementation of the reforms.

For now, the focus is on ensuring that hospitals and healthcare providers are equipped to meet the new standards without requiring additional funding. The minister’s assurances have been met with caution, as stakeholders recognize that systemic change takes time and effort. As the healthcare system navigates this transition, it remains to be seen whether the reforms will achieve their intended goals of improving patient care and reducing delays.

The Importance of Clear Communication and Transparency

Ultimately, the success of Victoria’s patient transfer reforms will depend on clear communication and transparency at all levels of the healthcare system. From paramedics on the front lines to hospital administrators and government officials, everyone has a role to play in ensuring that these standards are implemented effectively. By fostering collaboration and accountability, Victoria can build a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system.