With thousands of hours already saved and paramedics spending significantly less time on the ramp, the Tasmanian Government will now move to the next phase of the Transfer of Care Protocol.
From 15 December 2025, patients arriving at hospital by ambulance will be transferred to the care of hospital staff within 45 minutes of arrival.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the first stage of the plan, introduced in April 2024 with a 60-minute transfer target, has been very successful in freeing up our paramedics, and the time is right to build on the improvements made to date.
"We have seen a significant reduction in transfer of care delays in our hospitals, with ambulances spending nearly 17,500 fewer hours ramped in 2024-25 when compared to the year before - a reduction of nearly 64 per cent," Minister Archer said.
"This is an outstanding result, and means ambulances are freed up to get back into the community and respond to emergencies sooner, ensuring Tasmanians get the care they need, when they need it.
"We are delivering for Tasmania's healthcare needs, with the next phase building on our strong progress and freeing up even more ambulance crews to do what they do best: provide lifesaving care to Tasmanians.
"Importantly, we are already achieving 73 per cent of patient transfers within 45 minutes statewide, which clearly demonstrates that the time is right to build on the massive success to date and take this next step."
Minister Archer acknowledged the efforts of staff across the Tasmanian Health Service and Ambulance Tasmania.
"I want to thank our dedicated healthcare workers whose commitment is making these significant improvements possible," Minister Archer said.
"While we know there will be fluctuations day to day, and week to week, our plan is clearly delivering better outcomes for Tasmanians, which is the most important thing."
The Transfer of Care Working Group, which includes representatives from public sector health unions, has been meeting regularly over the past two months to prepare for the next phase of the Protocol.
