What you said: RWBH emergency department likened to war zone amid overcrowding, ramping

Amidst chaotic scenes in the ED at Queensland’s biggest hospital, staff have grappled with overcrowding, leading to staff anxiety and the cancellation of surgeries. This is what you said.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls. Picture: Liam Kidston

Staff in the emergency department of Queensland’s biggest hospital have blown the whistle after chaotic scenes this week.

One insider said on one night there were more than 100 patients in the emergency department and multiple paramedic teams waiting to offload even more.

The situation has been exacerbated by a surge in flu and COVID-19 cases, leading to the cancellation of non-urgent surgeries.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls acknowledged the crisis, attributing the unexpected flu spike as a contributing factor.

Readers have reacted with a mix of concern, criticism, and suggestions for improvement. This is what you said.

Who’s responsible for this mess?

Anthony: “No new hospitals or infrastructure built to cope with Albo and ALP’s 1.4mil extra people in 3 years. Thank you ALP and Green voters for this.”

Barry: “Can’t wait for the census results next year. Just to see the exact number of people that Albo has let in.”

Robyn: “Last time I checked the State Government was responsible for hospitals and healthcare. The Commonwealth just funds them. This government has now been in office for nine months. Stop blaming the Prime Minister. Mr Crisafulli and the LNP were elected to fix the health problems. Guess what? They can’t – ramping is still a problem, there are shortages of staff, the government is at war with nurses and midwives over salaries and conditions and it’s flu season. And the hospital rescue plan is going to fix this. All I see is delays, rescoping and kicking the can down the road. Nothing has changed. At least Tim Nicholls is in charge – whilst the situation is dire – it could have been worse.”

Puzzled: “The problem, across the board, is the ALP (at all levels of government) hiring more and more pen pushing unionised bureaucrats instead of front line staff … in health, education, emergency services, police etc.”

Hoppy: “When the Labour party took over Queensland, under Goss, they completely trashed the public health system. Fairly quickly, administration overtook nurses in public hospitals. In other words, most of the money spent on public hospitals was going to people who had nothing to do with patient care. And so it is today. It’s the Labour way.”

Richard: “Seems nothing has changed with Qld Health. No matter what government is in power, Qld health has been a basket case. Obviously, the senior leaders at the top of QLD Health are completely incompetent, this has been going on for 20 years now.”

Spot: “At times of crisis like the one highlighted above the Health Minister Tim Nicholls should be on deck so he can experience the atmosphere where was he physically.”

Susan M: “The buck stops at your desk Mr Nicholls.”

Why aren’t people getting vaccinated?

Boswoz: “The situation has not been helped by the anti-vaxers continually playing down the importance of, particularly to the vulnerable, being vaccinated.”

Leanne: “Vaccination won’t stop you from getting the flu but can reduce its impact on you and hopefully hospitalisation.”

Dianne: “Also the non-vaccine brigade no vax no treatment is my solution.”

Warren: “In a very recent news it was reported that 90% of cases admitted into our hospitals were unvaccinated – why? Are most people against having the free jab?”

It’s time staff were given a fair go

Dingo: “Both my daughter and granddaughter are nurses. Work long hours lots of unpaid overtime and have to put up with thankless patients.”

Scutus: “Cost of living impacts all of us, and all hardworking Queenslanders deserve to be paid far more for the work they do.”

Kat: “Higher pay will bring in more staff!!!” Peter: “Not when there are no staff to bring in! Every health industry has a shortage of actual people regardless of the pay.”

Out of the blue? Why weren’t they prepared?

Dan: “Health authorities have been warning of flu and COVID numbers increasing for months … not a coincidence that these numbers increase after school holidays when many are returning from interstate and overseas holidays and when crowds increase at events, even at shopping centres.”

Robert: “Flu came out of the blue, BS it’s winter and been reported for at least 4/6 weeks that I know of and we still have the Ekka and Aug/Sept westerlies to come. Open your eyes as well as your mind minister.”

Kevin: “And our great health minister thinks it’s come out of the blue. Really where has he been. The lack of advertising for the flu jab this year and the ramping situation that has been an issue since day dot.”

People should go to their GP instead

A Queenslander: “Close all EDs to GP presentations. The majority only go there because it is one of few places which bulk bill. People will die simply because these GP presentations are clogging the system.”

Les C: “People who go to ED with minor ailments are the problem as I see it. Emergency is for emergencies.”

Linda: “At least $50 out of pocket to see a GP in my area (if you can get an appointment) despite Albo waving his Medicare card. So off to ED for many.”

Teresa: “Why are people going to hospitals for flu? Stay home stay hydrated and it will pass. If you’ve had your flu jab you’ll only end up with a mild dose – if you haven’t that’s on you – choices … ”

V: “Why aren’t most of these people attending ED not seeing their GP? Get vaccinated folks.”