A new triage system is being rolled out among aged-care facilities in Perth, allowing residents to consult via phone with a registered nurse and hospital-based consultant before an ambulance is called. 

The program’s main goal is to slash ramping and ease pressure on Western Australia’s emergency departments. 

Australian Nurses Federation state secretary Janet Reah told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live the elderly are being blamed for ramping.

Press PLAY below to hear why Ms Reah believes the changes could make the health system worse

“Telehealth is not an appropriate method to assess and treat our elderly,” said Ms Reah.

“They do deserve more than just a phone call.”