Queensland health minister apologises after family learns of relative's death while waiting for ambulance

On Saturday evening a 53-year-old Annerley resident called Triple Zero reporting chest pain and was told to go to Princess Alexandra Hospital due to its proximity. Paramedics arrived two hours later, discovering the man had died at his Brisbane home. His family only learned of the death when the story appeared in the media on Thursday, leading Health Minister Tim Nicholls to apologise for the anguish caused.

Nicholls explained that the deceased was not listed in Queensland Health records, making it difficult to locate family contacts. He confirmed that a critical-incident review has been launched and that the family will meet with senior Queensland Ambulance Service officials on Thursday. The minister also referenced a recent case of an octogenarian who died after waiting three hours for a bed at the Mater Hospital, calling both incidents unacceptable and promising swift recommendations.