Ramping at Geelong hospital delays patient surgery by 24 hours

The son of an elderly woman who waited 24 hours for emergency surgery has called on the state government to fix the health care system.

Ryan Mackay's mother had to wait 24 hours for emergency surgery. Picture: Alison Wynd

A man whose “distressed” elderly mother waited more than 24 hours for emergency surgery has called on the state government to fix the “broken” health system.

Helen Mackay was rushed to Colac hospital at 12.30pm on Monday with a twisted bowel.

Staff decided that she should be transferred to Geelong hospital for the procedure.

However, she did not arrive until 9am on Tuesday.

It is understood that significant ramping at Geelong hospital meant paramedics were unable to make the trip to Colac as they were stuck at the emergency department.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said the situation was not uncommon.

“In rural areas, we often don’t have enough private non-emergency patient transport ambulances crews to cover the workload, especially overnight,” he said.

Air ambulances were also unavailable due to a pilot shortage.

Ms Mackay’s son, Ryan Mackay, said he was shocked to see the state of the crowded emergency room when she finally arrived.

“It’s like walking into a third world hospital — it’s unbelievable … anyone would think you are in Bali,” the Belmont resident said.

“There are people laying down with pillows and blankets (in the room) and others in ambulance beds … a nurse said it was a daily occurrence.

“It’s not a good spot to be even when you are not sick.”

A spokeswoman from Barwon Health said that Monday was busier than normal, with the hospital experiencing a higher number of presentations than average.

Mr Mackay said the ordeal was uncomfortable for his 76-year-old mother.

“Mum weighs 46kg, hasn’t eaten since 10.30am (on Monday) and is worn out.

“She had to go to the toilet in a pan because there was no one to take her.”

Mr Mackay’s has called on the state government to do more in the face of long ambulance and emergency department wait times. Picture: Alison Wynd

Ms Mackay finally had surgery at 12.30pm on Tuesday.

After seeing first hand how desperately spread thin nurses were, Mr Mackay said the state government needed to do more to support patients and staff.

“(The nurses) are busting their backsides but there aren’t enough of them,” he said.

“The government needs to take responsibility … I’m sure if it was Jacinta Allan laying in emergency she wouldn’t have to wait 24 hours.”

On February 18, the state government announced it would improve staffing ratios in emergency departments by amending the Safe Patient Care Act.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the move would result in “better care for Victorians” and “more support” for nurses.

Mr Hill said the union had been pushing for an increase in the number of non-emergency ambulances and were waiting on the government to respond to a review released last month.

A Victorian government spokesman said more than 40 per cent of hospitals had improved their offloading times in the latest quarter.

“Despite significant and sustained demand, our hardworking doctors, nurses and ambos are making sure patients continue to receive world-class healthcare,” the spokesman said.

“We’ve also introduced nation-leading initiatives like the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and our 29 Urgent Care Clinics, to give Victorians more urgent care options and to ease pressure on emergency departments and support paramedics.

“We have also grown our on-road paramedic workforce by more than 50 per cent since 2014.”

Originally published as Ramping at Geelong hospital delays patient surgery by 24 hours