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6h ago

WA Sets New Record for Ambulance Ramping as Unions Unveil Five-Point Plan

Frontline groups say blocked discharges are choking beds, with hundreds occupied by patients ready to leave.

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Ambulances parked outside the Royal Perth Hospital emergency department.
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Overview

  • St John WA reported 7,257 hours of ambulance ramping in September, an all‑time high and the third straight month above 7,000.
  • Four health unions announced a five‑point package including 400 aged‑care beds, guaranteed staffing, ED diversions, seven‑day hospital operations, and unified care protocols.
  • Paramedics reported being asked to take triple overtime in recent weeks, with some overtime shifts stretching 12 hours to cover staffing gaps.
  • The state government cited a severe flu season and older patients unable to be discharged as key pressures, and highlighted a new $500 million health infrastructure fund.
  • Over the past week, ramping totaled 347 hours at Fiona Stanley Hospital and 315 at Royal Perth Hospital, reflecting ongoing strain at major sites.