"Emergency Department Waiting Times"

Hi there. I would like to express my concern regarding Joondalup Hospital emergency department waiting times and response levels. I have had a number of family members have to be admitted to Joondalup either via ambulance or driven in.

I believe the wait times are extremely long in comparison to other hospitals' published times and they are covering a vast area of north of the river.   I fully understand that the staff there are trying their best with what they have but I think this has been occurring for years with no change.

Recently my parent was taken in by the ambulance for a low heart rate and they remained in the corridor for over 2. 5hours. I feel this is surely unacceptable. In my opinion, someone needs to relieve the pressure of the staff by making resources available because it has a direct impact on patient care not to mention what the staff must be going through.

In addition, with all COVID rules in place which we are happy to abide by, I believe there is an increase in pressure on clerical staff to provide information to concerned loved ones who would have been there otherwise, but in my experience, as they are inundated, I feel they become rude or angry with concerned loved ones making situations difficult for all involved.

In my opinion, there must be some change. I understand that on the same night, Royal Perth, Fiona Stanley and Sir Charles had less emergency presentations in addition to shorter wait times.

I believe the government needs to take some action as this seems so unacceptable for a developed nation and an area growing rapidly every year. There must be some reprieve on all involved and a commitment to change from those who can affect change because that is their responsibility.

I am not criticising the medical or nursing care at all, but I think the pressure they face needs to be addressed and if it is, highlight that to the public or notify of changes to avoid the long wait times. We are all in this together but I think they need some help so patients can be released or transferred as needed in an appropriate time.