QAS Clinical Hub expands with $42M investment

The Queensland Government is investing more than $42.35 million over four years in expanding the Clinical Hub, a nation-leading initiative proven to improve ambulance availability, reduce pressures on EDs and increase health system capacity.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the funds would go to growing the team significantly, which first started as five paramedics and two Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) back in 2020.

“The Clinical Hub first started in the early days of the pandemic as a small team making big in-roads,” Ms D’Ath said.

“By the end of the year we expect the hub to be operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with over 64 specialist staff, including senior paramedics, doctors, EMDS, Emergency Medical Specialists and mental health clinicians.

“This means we have more of the right people making the right calls to provide the right care for Queenslanders and freeing up capacity for the state’s most critical and urgent cases.”

“It shows the Palaszczuk Government is always looking at innovative ways to improve and streamline access to our world class health system.”

"This announcement again affirms our commitment to providing better services for Queenslanders."

Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery said the Clinical Hub initiative is already making a difference.

“Currently, around 250 calls per day are directed to the Clinical Hub and over 60 of these are offered care which does not require an ambulance attendance,” he said.

Cases can also be upgraded after a reassessment from the Clinical Hub, once the needs and status of the patient are better understood with a longer, more detailed triage.

“This system means we can ensure everyone is getting exactly the right treatment pathway.

“It also means we can free up resources for more urgent emergency cases, whether that’s ambulances on the road or potentially reducing some pressure on emergency departments.”

Recruitment activities will continue for doctors, nurses and Team Leaders until December 2022.

Media Contact: Cullen Robinson 0418 170 474

Background: The pathway of a Triple Zero (000) call to Clinical Hub

1. Patient contacts QAS through Triple Zero (000)
2. Call is triaged by EMD
3. If ‘lights and sirens’ response is required, ambulance is dispatched
4. If not, case is referred for secondary review by Clinical Hub
5. Clinical Hub starts telehealth or telephone triage
6. Case is referred for most appropriate care pathway:

1. Early Clinical Intervention: advice, self-care, assistance
2. Secondary Triage: specialist resources such as Review Units, Local Area Assessments or Mental Health Co-Responders
3. Referral/Health Navigation: referrals or recommendation to other providers
4. Dispatch of an ambulance