The LNP has been caught out spreading false claims about Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) in Townsville overnight.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said QAS had been forced to correct David Crisafulli’s false claims on social media that ambulance ramping was occurring at Townsville Hospital.
“There were no excessive wait times in unloading patients at Townsville Hospital on Tuesday,” the Minister said.
“On Tuesday in Townsville, patient off stretcher time was at a very high 93 per cent.
“David Crisafulli should immediately correct his false claims and apologise to the hardworking paramedics and hospital staff in Townsville.
“The QAS were shocked and disappointed to see the post and felt the need to put out their own social media last night to put the truth out there.
“QAS shouldn’t have to spend their time correcting false statements made by the LNP and the Leader of the Opposition.
“The LNP need to stop posting photos of ambulances at hospitals as somehow evidence of ramping when ambulances will always be parked at some point to hand over patients.
“This is not evidence that ambulances have been there for longer than the recommended time.
“We recognise that we do have delays at our hospitals in busy times but putting out these false claims as a political stunt is unacceptable.
‘It’s even more shameful that someone who once purported to represent the Townsville community has let them down again.”
According to QAS there were no issues on Tuesday with ambulance turn around at Townsville Hospital, which remains one of the best performing hospitals in Queensland.
The average patient off stretcher time in Townsville on Tuesday was 35 minutes, including make ready time for the next response.
There was around 40 minutes of lost time at Townsville Hospital on Tuesday over a 24-hour period.
There were no community response delays during the hospital’s busiest period.
