Big demand delays help for patients
The sick and injured are being forced to wait for help in the back of an ambulance at several emergency departments at the country’s biggest hospitals as demand skyrockets.
The waits are affecting patients who require medical assistance upon arrival at Auckland City, Middlemore and Christchurch hospitals.
The Herald understands some patients had to wait up to two hours, while St John has confirmed the “average” waiting time was between 30 and 45 minutes on Monday night.
The pressure on emergency departments had been felt all year and had St John concerned that it was only likely to increase as winter nears.
“St John Ambulance was in extremely high demand all day in Auckland and Christchurch on Monday, with demand surging for staff on the night shift, 6pm–6am,” St John general manager ambulance operations Stu Cockburn said.
Extra Government funding last year had meant St John could create new roles for extended care paramedics (ECPs), experienced staff who could support patients with urgent, unscheduled primary healthcare needs in their own home, often saving the need for an ambulance or hospital admission.
However, the patient would be sent to hospital if deemed serious enough, or referred to their GP.
Last year St John trained 20 ECPs to work in Auckland, Christchurch, Horowhenua and South Taranaki.
Cockburn said the pressure on staff and resources was usually at its peak in winter. That was now happening more regularly, particularly on Mondays. “This is extremely concerning in terms of what may yet occur this winter.”
Counties Manukau DHB over Easter trialled free urgent care at 16 Auckland GP clinics to help ease the pressure on Middlemore. While a spokesperson confirmed that was a temporary measure it would be “reviewed”.