26/06/2026
🚑 Ambulance ramping is not just a state issue. It is happening across the country.
Recent national data shows ramping has worsened in almost every state and territory over the past five years, with more patients than ever arriving at emergency departments by ambulance.
Health leaders are clear that this is not a short-term surge. It is now a persistent feature of Australia’s health system, affecting metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals alike.
A recent South Australian article captures this well, with experts noting there is no “silver bullet” to fix ramping and pointing to difficulty accessing community care as a key driver.
Ramping reflects pressure across the whole system, not just inside hospitals.
This is why AGPN and community groups continue to advocate for stronger general practice and primary care.
🩺 Early access to a GP helps treat conditions before they become emergencies
👐 Ongoing care for chronic conditions reduces hospital admissions
💙 Accessible community care keeps people well and independent
Strong primary care keeps people out of hospital. There is no quick fix. Addressing ramping requires sustained, long-term investment in community care.
We are now seeing the consequences of decisions made over many years. Investment has not kept pace with demand, and more care has shifted into hospitals instead of the community.
If we want to reduce ramping nationally, we need to treat the cause, not just the queue.
There is no silver bullet. But there is a clear path. Invest in general practice and primary care, early, consistently, and for the long term.
📰 Read more - https://brnw.ch/21x3ESm
