Despite government efforts to bolster the public health system, South Australia continues to struggle with long wait times in emergency departments (ED). Recent data from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) highlights a grim trend, revealing a lack of progress over the years for patients requiring immediate attention.
The AMA’s latest annual report indicates that only 38% of urgent ED patients in South Australia are seen within the recommended 30 minutes. This statistic is considerably lower than the national average of 61% and marks a significant decline from 65% a decade ago.
“Patients arriving with critical issues such as chest pains, severe breathing difficulties, or possible strokes are facing extended waiting periods for necessary care,” said Dr Danielle McMullen, President of the AMA.
While there has been a marginal decrease in wait times for planned surgeries, the AMA cautions that the state’s recent investments—including 600 new hospital beds and an additional 1,400 healthcare professionals—may take time to yield noticeable improvements in patient care.
In summary, South Australia’s emergency services face significant challenges despite active government funding, with urgent patients experiencing longer wait times than acceptable. While some strides may be made in surgical patient care, the overall efficacy of recent healthcare investments remains to be seen.