October 11th, 2026Delivering shorter waits, less ramping and better emergency care

A Jess Wilson-led Liberal and Nationals Government will get patients treated in emergency departments sooner under a new commitment to deliver up to 10 new or expanded patient transit lounges across Victorian hospitals.

Under Labor, almost one in three people presenting to emergency departments are not seen in the recommended time, while ambulance ramping continues to plague Victorian hospitals.

Patient transit lounges provide a dedicated space for patients who are medically ready to leave hospital but are waiting for medication, transport, or other final discharge arrangements.

Moving these patients out of inpatient wards sooner means beds can be made available faster for patients waiting in emergency departments, helping to reduce overcrowding and ambulance ramping.

To deliver the expansion, a Liberal and Nationals Government will establish a $99 million Patient Transit Lounge Fund, prioritising hospitals where ambulance ramping is most severe and additional capacity can have the greatest impact.

The fund will also support additional staff and extended operating hours where hospitals already have suitable facilities.

Locations will be determined following consultation with health services and clinical need.

Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: “Victorians shouldn’t be stuck waiting for hours in an emergency department because a hospital bed is being occupied by someone who is ready to go home.

“We will deliver up to 10 new or expanded patient transit lounges to free up beds faster and help get patients out of emergency departments and into the care they need.

“This will improve the flow of patients through our hospitals and help reduce ambulance ramping which has become out of control under this Government.”

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said: “After years of mismanagement under Labor, emergency departments are stretched beyond capacity and the pressure on doctors, nurses and paramedics is unsustainable.

“Getting patients into the right care sooner frees up beds and gets ambulances back on the road.

“A Jess Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will get our hospitals working better and deliver the fresh start Victoria’s health system so desperately needs.”