State Budget must improve ambulance resourcing

HACSU AMBULANCE MEMBERS ARE CALLING FOR A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE TO AMBULANCE TASMANIA’S OPERATIONAL AND RECURRENT BUDGET TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR ALL TASMANIANS

The HACSU Ambulance Employee Sub Branch (AESB) has been working with the Health Department and Ambulance Tasmania to identify priority areas which need additional resourcing.

A project is currently underway to develop alternate pathways and resolve issues around Ambulance utilisation rates and reduce pressures on the State’s public hospitals.

HACSU has significant concerns that this project will distract the Government from its focus on resolving the real issue, which is that there are not enough emergency Ambulances or crews on the road.
At least two new Ambulances are required in both Hobart and Launceston as a matter of urgency and the Government cannot ignore this any longer.

Quotes attributable to Mr Robbie Moore, HACSU Acting State Secretary

“Tasmania’s response times are the worst in the country. Ramping times are up, overtime is at an unsustainable record high, and their equipment is out of date and failing.”

“The service only survives on our members’ good will. At every level, Ambulance Tasmania staff are working significant amounts of overtime.”

“Despite all the Government’s claims, its previous two budgets clearly show it is not prepared to invest in a proper Ambulance Service. This must change now.”

“We support calls for significant increases to the Ambulance Tasmania budget.”

“There are just 3 full time Ambulances in urban Launceston and 6 full time Ambulances in urban Hobart. Every piece of analysis says this is not enough.”

“Ambulance Tasmania just doesn’t have enough staff. When there are regular holes in the rosters before sick leave occurs, you know you’re running on the edge.”

“Despite 000 call loads almost doubling in the last 5 years, there have been no permanent increases in the number of despatchers and call takers. The State Communications Centre is desperately short of staff.”
HACSU ACTING STATE SECRETARY, ROBBIE MOORE