A Queensland grandfather has died after allegedly waiting hours in an ambulance for a hospital bed west of Brisbane.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said a full clinical review was under way after Wayne Irving died at Ipswich Hospital early on Nov. 17 morning.
Mr. Irving is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack as he was being transferred from a stretcher to a hospital bed after waiting three hours in the back of an ambulance.
His family said they called triple-0 at 7.30pm on Nov. 16 when Mr. Irving complained of chest pains, with paramedics arriving at their Coulson residence within 30 minutes.
However, the ambulance was allegedly ramped for three hours after it arrived at Ipswich Hospital at 9.15pm.
Mr. Irving reportedly went in and out of consciousness while waiting at the back of the ambulance for a hospital bed.
It’s believed he was admitted to hospital at 12.15am but suffered cardiac arrest while being transferred from the ambulance and died shortly afterwards.
“Why in our country, in our own backyard half an hour from our own home we can’t receive health care when someone needs it,” Mr. Irving’s daughter Lauren Hansford told Nine Network.
Ms. Fentiman said the full clinical review of Mr. Irving’s death would be considered by the coroner.
“I am committed to implementing any recommendations from the clinical review and the coroner,” Ms. Fentiman said in a statement.
“I have also asked the director-general of Queensland Health to work with Ipswich Hospital to urgently look at what additional resources are needed for this very busy hospital.”
Ms. Fentiman said her “heart goes out” to Mr. Irving’s family and friends.
“I have no doubt that his entire community will be feeling this loss,” she said.
Mr. Irving’s family paid tribute to the father, granddad and foster parent on social media.
“It is with much sadness that we write this devastating post that last night, Wayne passed away unexpectedly,” a Facebook post read.
“Please be patient while his family comes to terms with his loss. We appreciate all the love and messages from everyone.”
