Shadow Health Minister Zak Kirkup had backed claims by St John’s Ambulance medical director Paul Bailey that ambulance ramping has drastically worsened in WA.
Mr Bailey told 6PR this morning that ramping was now three times worse than it was five years ago.
“St Johns Ambulance ramping was already bad prior to COVID-19, now it’s much worse,” Mr Kirkup said.
“This is undoubtedly putting lives at risk, which is completely unacceptable for our world-class health system.
“As a volunteer Ambulance Officer, I see it firsthand. It is clear we have reached a real crisis point across our hospitals.
“We need leadership and real investment in both our hospital emergency departments and expanding the St John’s contract to make sure we can respond to this crisis.
“The biggest worry is that WA is in this parlous state before we see any COVID-19 outbreak in WA.
“I have a real fear that if there is an outbreak our hospital system will crumble.”