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Emergency Mental Health Crisis: 23-Hour Bed Waits Revealed

11/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A report by Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) finds a crisis in mental health care, with patients waiting over 23 hours for emergency beds.
The report notes an 11% rise in mental health presentations from 2016 to 2024.
Dr. Stephen Gourley urged more inpatient beds and expanded community services to prevent admissions.
The findings describe tensions over hospital funding and call for action to prevent further decline in care.

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Story summary

A report by Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) finds a crisis in mental health care, with patients waiting over 23 hours for emergency beds.
The report notes an 11% rise in mental health presentations from 2016 to 2024.
Dr. Stephen Gourley urged more inpatient beds and expanded community services to prevent admissions.
The findings describe tensions over hospital funding and call for action to prevent further decline in care.