A foster carer has died in a Queensland hospital after being left waiting three hours in one of 13 ambulances lined up at the emergency department.
Wayne Irving, a 67-year-old water tank cleaner from the Scenic Rim, had been taken to Ipswich Hospital in an ambulance with abdominal pain.
The ambulance was called to his home at 7:30pm on Thursday evening and he was transported to the hospital just after 8pm.
Mr Irving’s family weren’t told by officials that he never made it to a hospital bed — instead, they found out when media contacted them on Friday with an anonymous tip.
His daughter Lauren told the ABC she was grateful for the paramedics who advocated for his urgent care.
She said first responders at the hospital escalated his condition five times but to no avail.
She said Mr Irving had no pre-existing health conditions.
Tributes shared
Mr Irving’s family shared the news on social media on Friday, asking for patience as they come to terms with the loss.
“It is with much sadness that we write this devastating post,” it read.
“Last night, Wayne passed away unexpectedly.
“We appreciate all the love and messages from everyone.”
Loved ones responded with tributes to the “kind, hardworking man”.
“Wayne was a lovely kind person and will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family at this terrible time,” one friend commented.
“So sorry to hear, Wayne was one the finest men that I have ever met. Please receive our deepest sympathy and prayers,” said another.
“[Wayne was] so proud of his family, which he totally adored. I’m so truly saddened by this heart-breaking news,” another comment reads.
Opposition expresses disappointment
Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said “Queensland has the worst ambulance ramping in the nation”, claiming the state’s health crisis is only “getting worse”.
“Ambulance ramping isn’t just a number, there are real consequences when Queensland ambulances are ramped for hours on end,” she said.
“Tragically, Queenslanders are paying with their lives because Labor has the wrong priorities.
“The LNP has put solutions on the table to heal the Queensland health crisis including more resources, better triaging, releasing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.”
Officials launch clinical review
West Moreton Health’s acting chief executive, Dominic Tait, said his thoughts are with the family.
“It is a tragic event for the family and our focus right now is on understanding what has happened, and we are committed to undertaking a full clinical review,” he said.
“This is standard procedure after a significant clinical event and we will engage with the family during and after the review.
“This is an unimaginable time of grief for the family, and I cannot provide any more details without breaching the confidentiality of those involved.”
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said her “heart goes out to Mr Irving’s family and friends at this tragic time”.
“I have no doubt that his entire community will be feeling this loss.”
Ms Fentiman said the clinical review is underway and will be considered by the coroner.
“I am committed to implementing any recommendations from the clinical review and the coroner,” she said.
“I have also asked the director-general of Queensland Health to work with Ipswich Hospital to urgently look at what additional resources are needed for this very busy Hospital.”