## Tasmanian Liberals' Ambulance Ramping Plan Faces Hurdle
The Tasmanian Liberals' plan to "ban ambulance ramping" has encountered an initial setback. The Department of Health has agreed that the proposed 60-minute patient transfer time will not be mandatory.
The Liberals initially announced in February that patients waiting in ambulances for admission to Tasmanian public hospitals would need to be transferred to emergency departments within 60 minutes. This "transfer of care procedure" aimed to limit ambulance ramping.
During their election campaign, the Liberals further emphasized their commitment to ending ramping, stating they would "ban" it altogether. Their policy included a 60-minute transfer limit, which would be reduced to 45 minutes by next year and 30 minutes the year after.
However, the proposed "mandated transfer of care procedure" faced criticism from medical specialists and unions. One doctor described such a protocol as "unsafe and unhealthy for all the staff and patients involved."
The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian branch raised concerns with the Tasmanian Industrial Relations Commission, challenging the 60-minute protocol's implementation in mid-March. The commission ordered the Department of Health to consult with the ANMF.
Following consultations, the department agreed to remove the word "mandatory" from the transfer time frame. Instead, the 60-minute target will serve as a guideline rather than a requirement.
The department also committed to reviewing workloads and staffing across state hospitals in conjunction with the non-mandatory implementation of the transfer of care procedure. Additionally, they highlighted strategies to improve access and flow across hospitals.
With the union's support, the commission approved the implementation of the new, non-mandatory 60-minute transfer of care protocol.
Health Minister Guy Barnett welcomed the decision, claiming it would allow them to "end ambulance ramping." He stated that the policy would be implemented on April 22nd, with the 60-minute window gradually reduced to 30 minutes, aiming to achieve the average time it takes for an ambulance crew to transfer a patient to hospital care.
Barnett expressed confidence that Tasmanians would receive timely emergency care and paramedics would be freed up to respond to other emergencies.