Queensland Man Dies After Waiting Hours for Treatment
Wayne Irving, a 67-year-old man from Queensland, tragically passed away after waiting for hours in a parked ambulance outside Ipswich Hospital. He had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and was brought to the hospital by ambulance on November 16th, 2022.
Despite arriving at the hospital around 9 pm, Mr. Irving remained in the ambulance for three agonizing hours before finally being seen by medical staff. This delay was attributed to the high number of patients seeking emergency care at the time.
Upon examination, Mr. Irving was found to have a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a life-threatening condition. Despite immediate efforts to resuscitate him, he sadly passed away at 1:10 am.
An investigation into the incident concluded that while Mr. Irving's death was unlikely to have been prevented even with an earlier diagnosis, the delay in his care undoubtedly contributed to the family's suffering. The report acknowledged the immense pressure faced by emergency department staff and the challenges of managing limited resources.
Mr. Irving's family expressed their deep disappointment with the healthcare system, stating that they had entrusted their loved one's care to the professionals and expected him to receive the treatment he deserved. The report acknowledged the need for improvements in patient and family experience, including the availability of social workers and the condition of the family room at the hospital.
This tragic incident highlights the critical need for adequate resources and staffing in emergency departments to ensure timely and effective care for all patients. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing patient and family well-being during such difficult times.