Both Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay municipalities have recorded quicker response times for urgent care in the last three months, according to the latest Ambulance Victoria (AV) response statistics.
The average response time for patients requiring urgent care in Maribyrnong from January to March, 2023 was 14:48 minutes.
Of the 1121 recorded responses in Maribyrnong, 68.3 per cent of them had an average response time of less than 15 minutes.
This is an increase of just over 4 per cent of calls receiving an ambulance in 15 minutes or less when compared to October to December last year, showing that ambulances are still in high demand in the area.
For those seeking urgent care in Hobsons Bay, the average response time from first responders from January to March was 15:26 minutes.
Of the 1,276 of the responses, 60.4 per cent had a response time in under 15 minutes.
Hobsons Bay recorded a larger percentage increase of calls who received an ambulance in 15 minutes or less when compared to October to December last year, with an increase of over 7 per cent.
Ambulance Victoria clinical operation acting executive director Michael Georgiou said ambulance performance improved thanks to reduced demand and fewer staff furloughed due to COVID-19.
“We thank the community for helping us relieve pressure on our paramedics, first responders and the health system by saving triple-0 (000) for emergencies.”
Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Ian Hunt said now is not the time to be complacent given the demand for ambulances is already beginning to rise and continue to do so as we enter winter.
In metropolitan Melbourne, Hobsons Bay was named as one of the top 10 local government areas for its improved performance against the 15-minute target.
Jennifer Pittorino
