News
WA’s emergency departments under strain as ambulance ramping rises again
Wednesday April 2, 2025
Ambulance ramping in WA surged again last month, with March 2025 recording 5,451 hours, the second-highest March figure on record. This marks a sharp rise from the 3,404 hours reported in March 2024, when the State Government pointed to its WA Virtual Emergency Department (WAVED) initiative and mental health co-response model as key factors in reducing emergency department congestion.
The latest data suggests that while these measures provided some relief, the underlying pressures on the hospital system remain unresolved.
Over the past year, ramping hours have fluctuated significantly, peaking at more than 6,500 hours in mid-2024 before briefly declining, only to rise again in recent months. This volatility highlights the continuing challenge of emergency department overcrowding, and the availability of hospital beds.
With ramping levels climbing once more, the new Health Ministry team faces mounting pressure to deliver lasting solutions. Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat, alongside other ministers responsible for the portfolio, will need to address these renewed concerns amid ongoing workforce shortages and increasing patient demand.
