The Tasmanian Department of Health says it’s investigating the death of a man on the state’s West Coast while he was waiting for an ambulance.
The man, said to be in his 60s, called Triple Zero from the Zeehan area on Saturday, to complain of chest pain and breathing issues, but the ambulance took nearly 80 minutes to arrive, with the paramedics coming from Burnie.
It’s understood the station was not staffed at the time of the incident due to unfilled leave.
It comes less than a month after a man died at the Royal Hobart Hospital, having reportedly been driven there by his family after being unable to get an ambulance.
Opposition Health Spokesperson Ella Haddad says the situation shines a light on the dire need for investment in regional health.
The Department has expressed condolences to the patient’s loved ones, and says it’s working to identify any immediate actions required.
