The Deputy State Coroner Ian White is leading the inquest into the deaths of three South Australians affected by ambulance ramping at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and Flinders Medical Centre. The individuals who lost their lives during these incidents include 76-year-old Anna Vincenza Panella in April 2019, 89-year-old Bernard Anthony Skeffington in September 2021, and 64-year-old Graham Henry Jessett in March 2022. These cases highlight the challenges and dangers associated with ambulance ramping, where patients face extended wait times for medical assessment and treatment.
According to counsel assisting the coroner Darren Evans, ambulance ramping was a significant factor in each case, leading to delays in receiving necessary medical care. The inquest is anticipated to delve into issues such as emergency department circumstances, access block, and the effectiveness of the Australasian Triage Scale in determining waiting times for patients. Graham Henry Jessett, for example, had a complex medical history and experienced a significant delay in receiving treatment after arriving at the hospital, ultimately resulting in his passing.
The inquest will also examine the efforts made by SA Health to address ambulance ramping and any improvements that have been implemented. Witnesses called to testify include paramedics, triage nurses, and doctors who were involved in the incidents. The tragic outcomes of these cases underscore the critical need for timely and efficient healthcare services to prevent similar occurrences in the future.