Calls for probe into lack of hospital beds in Queensland
The Queensland Opposition has called for a wide ranging investigation into a lack of emergency beds in major Queensland hospitals.
It follows two incidents in 48 hours where critically ill patients were put at risk.
Today it was revealed a major north Queensland hospital is full.
Under pressure and turning people away, but the boss of Cairns Base Hospital says she has no choice.
It's been a bad flu season with over 60 patients who can't find nursing home beds, admitted.
The move to a new Block has been delayed due to power problems.
The union representing ambulance officers claims the code crisis is just as bad in the south east.
"We've got a situation yesterday where we had three hospitals that were on level three which means the QAS was unable to offload patients," Gary Bullock told 7News.
"What we are identifying is the situation is worsening and lives are at risk."
A lack of beds was the reason a Wynnum heart attack victim was driven more than 60 kilometres to Ipswich Hospital on the weekend, and why cancer patient Amanda Veitch was forced to lie on the floor in the Gold Coast Hospital's emergency department.
"That picture tells the story and the story here on the Gold Coast is not as rosy as what the minister makes out," Shadow Health Minister Jo Ann Miller said.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg refuted suggestions his government was at fault.
"These things are unusual and they do happen from time to time but they are no indication of systemic failure," he said.
Today a formal apology was issued to terminally ill Amanda. The hospital says it is now working with the Government to streamline services.
“We apologise unreservedly to Amanda and her family and those people who care about her," Gold Coast Hospital Executive Director Jane Hancock said.
