URGENT UPDATE: New data confirms a significant turnaround in ambulance ramping rates in New South Wales (NSW), with the state government’s $500 million initiative beginning to show results. As of this week, treatment rates for critically ill patients have improved dramatically in key hospitals, marking the lowest ambulance ramping statistics since the pandemic began.
Data released on Wednesday indicates that the percentage of T2 emergency patients treated on time at hospitals in western Sydney—including Westmead, Blacktown, and Cumberland—has risen from 29% to 37.5% over the past three months. In a remarkable jump, Blacktown Hospital reports that the on-time treatment rate for severely injured patients has tripled, soaring from 17.7% to 31.4% since last year.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged these improvements but emphasized that “there is still more to be done.” He expressed gratitude to healthcare staff for their dedication in achieving these critical advancements.
The figures from the June quarter reveal that NSW hospitals are now experiencing their best ambulance ramping rates and T2 treatment times since the onset of the pandemic. The substantial funding from the NSW government aims to address the extensive backlogs faced by healthcare workers, focusing on both recruitment and alternative care options.
To alleviate the strain on emergency departments, the government has introduced virtual urgent care services and home recovery programs. Additionally, “discharge concierges” have been appointed to identify patients who can be safely sent home. Almost 500 nurses have been recruited for emergency departments in the past year, aiming to expedite care for seriously ill patients.
However, Minister Park cautioned that prioritizing critically ill patients can lead to longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions. “During periods of high demand, those with less urgent conditions can experience longer wait times when there are large numbers of seriously unwell patients being prioritized for emergency care,” he stated.
He urged the public to consider alternatives for non-life-threatening issues, recommending that they contact Healthdirect at 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess their condition and may direct them to urgent or virtual care options, potentially avoiding unnecessary emergency department waits.
Interestingly, NSW residents require ambulance services less frequently than their counterparts in Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. According to the Australia Medical Association’s 2025 ramping report card, NSW had 133.9 ambulance incidents per 1,000 people last year, compared to 157 in Victoria and 232 in Queensland.
As the situation evolves, the public is encouraged to stay informed about their healthcare options and the ongoing restructuring of the NSW health system.
