Two-decade-old ambulance system used to decide where patients are sent to be replaced
A two-decade-old computer system paramedics use to decide where to send patients is getting an overhaul. Here’s what it means.
NSW
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A two-decade old system which paramedics use to decide which hospitals to send patients to will be overhauled in a $15.1 million upgrade by the Minns government.
The current dated system does not use real time data, instead relying on manual data inputs with paramedics unable to see potential delays in emergency departments, which contributes to ambulance ramping.
As a result thousands of patients who arrive in a NSW ED each year face being transferred to another hospital.
NSW Health modelling predicts more than 2000 patients will avoid a secondary hospital transfer under the new ambulance system.
The NSW government will spend more than $15 million over four years to fix the antiquated system as part of a $480 million emergency department relief package to be unveiled in the NSW Budget.
The new dashboard will draw on real time data on current ED capacity at nearby hospitals, the patient’s clinical condition and travel times to better allow paramedics to decide where to transport their patients.
The full matrix rollout across all ambulances in the state will commence in late 2025.
Premier Chris Minns said the new ambulance matrix was a piece of the puzzle to speeding up emergency wait times.
“I’ve said it before – people are waiting too long to be seen in emergency departments,” he said.
“This is an important investment that will help our hardworking frontline staff deliver the care that people deserve, faster.”
Health Minister Ryan Park said the new investment was about equipping paramedics with the latest technology so they can give patients the best care.
“This critical upgrade to the ambulance matrix will integrate live data from right across our public health system in real time to help paramedics transport patients to the ED that will be able to treat them as quickly and appropriately as possible,” he said.
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