Ambulance Ramping

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:08): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Health and Wellbeing regarding health.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: SA Health Chief Executive, Chris McGowan, told parliament this week, and I quote, 'I do recall somebody saying that that week months ago was the worst on record.' My questions to the minister are:

1. Is it correct that there was a recent week that was the worst ramping that South Australia had ever experienced?

2. When was it?

3. How much ramping occurred in that week?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (15:09): The situation in terms of ramping has continued to be an issue here in South Australia. We are not seeing the escalation that Western Australia has continued to see, and for that I am grateful.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, leader! The Hon. Mr Wortley asked a question, allow the minister to respond to it.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The honourable member refers to the comments of my chief executive, where he indicated that there was a peak week. My understanding is that week was in October but, as I reminded honourable members earlier, Chris McGowan indicated there had been a significant improvement since then. We are continuing to roll out strategies—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: —to continue to ease ambulance ramping and we will certainly have more announcements to make in the context of the COVID-Ready Plan.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Wortley, supplementary.