Department of Health

Emergency care

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.

A new set of standards has 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.

For data and performance reports on Victorian public health ED services, consult the Victorian Health Services Performance website.External Link

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.

Models of emergency care

Eight models of care address the consistent growth in demand for Victoria's hospital services, particularly emergency care.

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.

Improving patient transfer from ambulance to emergency department

The Department of Health & Human Services is committed to reducing emergency care waiting times and improving ambulance patient transfers.

Addressing violence in Victorian healthcare settings

The Victorian Government has set priorities in order to address and reduce violence against staff in healthcare settings.

Reviewed 12 May 2025

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Contact details

Emergency and Trauma Program Department of Health & Human Services

Phone +61 3 9096 8958
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