Premier Daniel Andrews hits back at Liberals’ ambulance ramping claims

Premier Daniel Andrews has slapped down claims dozens of ambulances were ramped as the embattled system remains under pressure.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has slapped down the opposition’s claims that dozens of ambulances were ramped as another code orange was declared for the embattled system.

Liberal health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier took to Twitter on Wednesday night to maintain “60 ambulances (were) currently ramped” at Victorian hospitals.

Ambulance Victoria put a code orange in place around the same time that indicates anyone requiring non-emergency care should contact nurse-on-call services instead of triple-0.

However, Mr Andrews said the social media claims weren’t accurate despite not knowing how many ambulances were ramped at the time.

Ambulance Victoria declared a code orange on Wednesday night. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“I don’t think that’s accurate at all, but I’m happy to have the Health Minister come back to you,” he told reporters.

“Our ambos are doing an amazing job, so are our nurses, and I don’t think those reports are accurate.”

Head of the ambulance union Danny Hill told 3AW that Ms Crozier’s claims weren’t substantial.

“I’m guessing what the shadow minister has a copy of is the ambulance arrival summary board, which shows how many crews are at hospitals,” he told 3AW.

“We have about 500 ambulances across the state … at any one time, 60 at hospitals is pretty low.”

However, Ms Crozier doubled-down on her claims when asked if she knew “for certain” that they were accurate.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews poured cold water on the claims. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“There were ambulances ramped all across metropolitan Melbourne and I was provided information that showed there was urgent offloading and ramping was occurring,” she said.

Ambulance Victoria said in a statement the service “experienced high demand” on Wednesday that was managed through “agreed escalation processes”.

“We would again remind all community members to save triple-0 for emergencies – this is to ensure the sickest Victorians receive lifesaving care,” the statement read.