## ACEM Reacts to Queensland 2024 Health Pledges – Mirage News
The Australian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has responded to the Queensland Government’s 2024 health pledges, expressing concern over the lack of detail on how specific initiatives will address the current crisis in the emergency department system.
“ACEM is concerned by the lack of detail and urgency surrounding the proposed initiatives,” stated ACEM Queensland President Dr. David Rosengren. “The current emergency department system in Queensland is stretched thin and is at breaking point. We need bold action to ensure patients can access safe and timely emergency care.
“We’ve heard a lot of promises, but the devil is in the detail. We need to see concrete plans, resources, and timeframes to deliver on these pledges,” he added.
The Queensland Government announced a number of initiatives, including:
* **Increasing the number of emergency department nurses and doctors** by 1000
* **Building and upgrading hospitals** across the state
* **Investing in mental health services**
* **Implementing a “community first” approach to healthcare**
While ACEM welcomes these commitments, the college believes that the focus on “community first” needs to be complemented with concrete steps to improve access to emergency care when required.
Dr. Rosengren said, “The ‘community first’ approach to health care is not a replacement for well-funded and adequately staffed emergency departments. It needs to be viewed as a complement and part of a broader strategy to meet the needs of all Queenslanders.”
“We need to address the underlying factors contributing to overcrowding in our emergency departments,” he added. “This includes ensuring that all levels of the healthcare system are adequately staffed and funded, and providing access to timely specialist appointments.”
Dr. Rosengren stressed the urgency of the situation. “Queensland emergency departments are overwhelmed, with record wait times and long ambulance handover times. This situation has reached a crisis point, and we need immediate action to address it,” he said. “We need to ensure patients can access emergency care safely and without delay. The lives of Queenslanders are at stake.”
ACEM called on the Queensland Government to:
* **Develop a comprehensive and well-funded strategy for the entire health system, including emergency departments**
* **Provide clear timelines for the implementation of these plans**
* **Work collaboratively with stakeholders, including ACEM, to ensure effective solutions are implemented**
“We are willing to work collaboratively with the government to implement meaningful and sustainable solutions,” stated Dr. Rosengren. “The health and well-being of Queenslanders must be the top priority.”
The 2024 state election is scheduled to be held in Queensland on October 27, 2024. This announcement of health pledges comes at a crucial time as both major parties will be vying for votes based on their healthcare policy.
