Thanks to advocacy from APA (NSW) members and delegates, a new parliamentary inquiry into the impact of ambulance ramping and access block has been announced. APA (NSW) welcomes this announcement as an important step to addressing the healthcare crisis.
8 in 10 Paramedics report that they believe they've been to a patient who has experienced an adverse outcome due to delayed response times. Bed block is one of the most significant risks to Paramedic, patient and hospital staff wellbeing.
"Bed block is a really significant concern for our Paramedics because it means long delays, and scarce Paramedics resources becoming even more thinly spread" said APA (NSW) President Chris Kastelan.
This inquiry will consider the effects these issues have on patients, paramedics, emergency department and other hospital staff. APA (NSW) intends to put forward extensive submissions, looking at the impact of bed block on Paramedics and the NSW Ambulance service.
After the most recent working conditions survey of members, APA (NSW) reported that more than 1 in 5 Paramedics had recently worked a shift over 16 hours in length and in one month there were almost 250 reports of Paramedics being stuck in bed block for over 4 hours, including 34 reports of waits of over 6 hours.
"Bed block is a massive wellbeing issue for Paramedics. We don't get any meal breaks and it's a minor miracle if you finish your shift on time these days." Said Mr. Kastelan.
Paramedics also face distress at not being able to help the patients that so desperately need them.
"It's just heartbreaking to hear urgent jobs on the radio that you can't go to because you're stuck at hospital. "
"We also see the impact and the stress it causes to staff in the ED, particularly nurses who are so overworked."
"Our submissions won't only be for us and our wellbeing, they'll also be for our comrades on the frontline of the healthcare system, and for our patients, who have had to rely on a system in crisis for too long."
APA (NSW) is the largest representative of paramedics with NSW Ambulance.
About us:
The Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) (APA (NSW)) is a registered Trade Union started in 2009 by Paramedics, for Paramedics.
The Association represents the interests of Paramedics and Support Staff employed within the NSW Government Sector and covered under a State Award system.
