Transfer of Care protocol continues to deliver positive results for Tasmanians

New data has once again confirmed the Tasmanian Government’s Transfer of Care protocol is continuing to deliver positive results for Tasmanians across the State.  

Ambulance Tasmania’s monthly reporting shows the average amount of time that ambulances are spending at hospitals has significantly reduced over the last 12 months - from an average of 54.5 minutes in August 2023 down to 34.7 minutes in August 2024. 

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said this includes improvements at all of our hospitals across the State. 

“This is a fantastic outcome and is more proof that our Transfer of Care Procedure, implemented on 22 April this year, is working,” Minister Barnett said. 

“It means ambulances are spending significantly less time stuck at hospitals, and more time in the community helping Tasmanians where they belong. 

“At the Royal Hobart Hospital alone, the average time at hospital for ambulances was reduced to 39 minutes for August 2024 – down significantly from 63.6 minutes 12 months ago, and the first time since reporting began that it has been under 40 minutes. 

“This latest data follows end of year data for 2023-24 that confirmed ambulances spent over 9,000 less hours ramped when compared to 2022-23, with decreases at all four major public hospitals.

“While we know there will be fluctuations day to day, week to week, these results are very positive and we will continue to take a measured approach as we continue on our way to the national best-practice benchmark of 30 minutes.

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are committed to improving outcomes for Tasmanian patients and ensuring paramedics are freed up to do what they do best.”