Queenslanders waiting 24+ hours in Emergency Departments
375% increase since 2015
Damning figures have revealed the horror decline of Queensland’s Health System during the past nine years of the Palaszczuk Labor Government, with thousands of patients spending more than 24 hours in packed emergency departments.
The data shows the number of Queenslanders languishing in emergency departments for 24 hours or more has skyrocketed by 375% since Labor came to power.
A staggering 17,930 patients spent longer than 24 hours inside the emergency department in 2022/23, compared to just 3,772 patients in 2015/16.
In the last financial year, 17,930 patients endured a 24 hour stint in Emergency.
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said these numbers were another scary consequence of the chaos and crisis of the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“These figures are startling and paints a picture of Labor's chaos and crisis,” Ms Bates said.
“They’re a direct result of a government that’s failed to plan, resource and run Queensland Health adequately for nine years.
“More than 17,000 patients spent 24 hours or more in emergency departments in the last financial year, how much longer will Queenslanders have to wait for the health system to be fixed?
“There is clinical evidence which suggests extended periods spent in the ED can lead to negative or adverse health outcomes.
“As a nurse and former hospital administrator, I know how frustrating and potentially dangerous it is for patients to be spending this long in an emergency department.
“Equally, I know how concerning it would be to staff to see their patients placed in these situations.
“Our doctors and nurses are exhausted because they’re working double and triple shifts.
"All Queenslanders should be proud of their dedication to keep the system going.
“After three terms in office, the Palaszczuk Labor Government has given up on listening to Queenslanders.
“A reliable health system is a priority for Queenslanders, but Labor has the wrong priorities.
"Only the LNP has the Right Priorities for Queensland's Future, including easier access to health services.
“We’ve put solutions on the table to heal the Queensland Health Crisis, including better resources, better triaging, sharing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.”
