Emergency department presentations—Timeframe
484. Hon Dr Steve Thomasto theparliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Health:
I refer to the government's claim that most people who present to emergency departments in WA public hospitals are seen within the medically recommended timeframe, specifically patients arriving at EDs by ambulance.
(1) When exactly does the clock on the recommended timeframe begin ticking?
(2) Does that timeframe begin when the ambulance arrives at ED?
(3) Does that timeframe begin when the paramedics formally handover their patient to hospital staff?
(4) What proportion of patients arriving at EDs in WA are assigned a mental health diagnostic–related grouping upon diagnosis?
Hon Pierre Yang replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) The start time relevant to measurement of waiting time in EDs is the time at which triage is conducted, being when the patient is assessed and assigned a triage category using the Australasian Triage Scale. This is applicable whenever a patient arrives to an ED.
(4) Patients are assigned a mental health diagnostic–related grouping in ED upon diagnosis.
