Non-emergency patient transport providers who flout the rules and put patients at risk will be targeted by snap audits and tough new penalties.
Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy today announced a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will review the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Act to strengthen compliance and enforcement and ensure the highest quality of care for patients.
The review will also investigate the extent that penalties need to be increased.
The Andrews Labor Government will conduct snap audits and take action against those who flout the rules and keep unsafe or out-of-date vehicles on the road.
The Government will ensure vehicles and equipment used for transporting patients are fit-for-use and include vital safety equipment like power lift stretchers or lifting cushions to transport patients.
Increased penalties will apply, sending a clear message that it’s not okay to cut corners when it comes to the health and safety of patients and hard-working patient transfer officers.
The Labor Government has repaired the ambulance crisis that was created by the Liberals, who went to war with paramedics and let response times become the worst on the mainland.
Paramedics are arriving at the scene of critically-ill patients faster than they have in nearly a decade because ambulances are being saved for the most serious emergencies – and that means more lives saved.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Ambulance Services Jill Hennessy
“When corners are cut and equipment isn’t replaced, patients and staff are put at risk. We’re fixing that and we’re cracking down on those who flout the rules.”
“Our hard-working non-emergency patient transport officers do a terrific job helping those who need their assistance. We’ll stand with them and ensure patients get the highest quality of care.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020