LNP Queensland

More than 45 per cent of all patients who presented to Nambour and Caloundra emergency departments for treatment waited longer than recommended last December.

Figures released today also showed that ambulances spent 241 hours, or 10 days, ramping outside the two Sunshine Coast emergency departments.

LNP Spokesman for Health Mark McArdle said the Health Minister had been forced to release the data because of a Right to Information request from the State Opposition.

"This data paints a picture of dangerous and dysfunctional emergency departments," Mr McArdle said.

"Only 37 per cent or 501 out of 1355 people requiring urgent treatment, within 30 minutes, were seen on time at the Nambour Hospital.

"This is just not good enough — these are people with major injuries, bleeding and fractures and every minute can mean the difference between life and death."

Mr McArdle said the December data showed that 410 patients gave up waiting at the two emergency departments and went home without treatment. In November, 333 Sunshine Coast patients walked out in frustration.

"This is very dangerous — these patients are risking complications down the track.

Mr McArdle said the figures showed the health crisis was far from over on the Sunshine Coast.

"These figures highlight just how badly Bligh and Labor have failed to keep up with the Coast’s growth with a lack of planning and investment in health infrastructure.

"The focus should be patients not politics."