Liberals propose transit lounges to free emergency beds and cut surgery waits

In its latest election pledge, the opposition unveiled a $99 million initiative to establish up to ten new or expanded patient transit lounges across Victoria. These lounges would accommodate patients ready to leave hospital but waiting for medication or transport, thereby freeing emergency department beds more quickly. The funding would also support additional staffing and extended operating hours, with priority given to hospitals experiencing the most severe ambulance ramping.

Jess Wilson said the measure would enable an extra 25,000 surgeries each year and help shrink the elective-surgery waiting list, which has risen sharply. Premier Ben Carroll responded by accusing the plan of “Americanising” the public health system and diverting public funds to private hospitals. Wilson rejected the criticism, noting similar arrangements already exist in Queensland and under a Labor government.