Queensland paramedics expose worsening ambulance ramping as hospitals struggle with overcrowding

Paramedics across Queensland are spending entire 12-hour shifts stuck outside packed public hospital emergency departments, unable to respond to urgent calls, as ramping rates remain high. August figures reveal that 42% of ambulance patients waited more than half an hour before being transferred to emergency care, only a slight improvement from the previous year, with Metro South hospitals recording over 60% delays and QEII at 64.8%.

The crisis was highlighted by the death of a 51-year-old man who was found dead two hours after calling 000, his family learning of the ambulance delay through media reports. Health Minister Tim Nicholls remains optimistic about reducing statewide ramping to under 30% by the 2028 state election, citing ongoing efforts and urging federal assistance for aged-care and NDIS placements. Union leader Fiona Scalon described ramping as a symptom of a failing hospital system, and emergency physician Justin Thompson called for more acute beds and seven-day diagnostic services. Despite the launch of the Open Hospitals real-time data portal, patient advocate Beryl Crosby called it ineffective, blaming poor planning for bed shortages.