Department of Health

Emergency care

Standards for public hospitals and Ambulance Victoria so that patients can receive timely care.

Data and performance report

Timely and appropriate emergency department (ED) treatment is an important service provided to all Victorians.

Patient demand for ED care is increasing, and improving ED services, facilities, and waiting times is a priority for the Victorian Government.

Standards have been introduced for public hospitals and Ambulance Victoria so that patients arriving via ambulance receive timely care and paramedics are available to respond to people in the community.

Standards for safe and timely ambulance and emergency care for Victorians

The Standards aim to improve system wide patient flow and reduce pressure on emergency departments so patients arriving via ambulance receive timely care and paramedics can respond to the community.

Handover of ambulance patients in the Emergency Department

For emergency department clinicians and ambulance paramedics, outlining a standardised Ambulance handover process to support safe and timely transfer of individuals arriving by ambulance to the emergency.

Improving the patient experience in emergency departments

A series of initiatives to improve the ED patient experience include patient communication procedures, physical improvements to amenities to make waiting rooms more comfortable, and improved strategies to ensure waiting room patients are appropriately monitored.

Guideline for the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Emergency Department Hubs

Guideline for health services that operate Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Emergency Department Hubs

Reviewed 16 December 2025

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