Officials say the problem will take years to fix
There is great concern among Niagara regional council officials about the time spent by ambulance workers to offload patients at emergency departments.
The Standard is reporting many letters have been sent to the provincial government over the last year for help, but nothing has been done.
During a recent council meeting officials said it's like taking a number of ambulances off the road each day, as paramedics wait to transfer patients to hospital staff and continue to their next call.
Niagara Emergency Medical Services Interim Chief Rick Ferron says it'll take years to fix the problem, since delays faced by paramedics are so long.
He adds it's the same as 30 paramedics being paid every day of the week to stand waiting in an emergency department, and sometimes there's a line of ambulances waiting.
Another official expressed concern over the health impacts of those calling 911 and needing help.
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