WA hospitals have the worst emergency department waiting times in the country

Artificial intelligence systems are being tested at Perth’s main trauma hospital to ease the burden on doctors and nurses, as new data shows WA’s emergency departments (EDs) are among the most overstretched in the country.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found fewer than half of WA ED patients were seen within recommended time frames.

These problems generally reflect pressure on hospital wards, which cannot take patients from emergency rooms until beds become available.

To keep patients flowing through hospitals, Health Minister Meredith Hammat said at a business breakfast this morning that WA Health would receive funding for artificial intelligence trials at the Royal Perth Hospital.

She said it would be used to “predict options” and provide “predictive insights” once patients arrive at hospital.

“It will also help…