The number of ambulances being diverted from the emergency departments of Victorian hospitals reached an all-time high during September, the State Opposition claimed yesterday. Public hospitals alone went on bypass 438 times, according to figures obtained by Mr Doyle. The increase in ambulance diversions came despite the State Government cutting elective surgery for three weeks in September to relieve Mr Doyle said diversions should have decreased, given a drop in the number of people presenting at emergency departments and better ambulance-response times.
Emergency departments are in greater crisis than they've ever been before.
Health Minister John Thwaites yesterday launched a new air ambulance service for regional Victoria. It will begin operating next year. The Age Company Ltd 2000. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.