Row of ambulances filmed lining around Melbourne hospital block
Concern is mounting for Victoria's hospital system after video showed ambulances lining around the block of Melbourne's Northern Hospital.
The facility is located in Epping - a COVID-19 hotspot - where half of the state's cases are located.
The state recorded 950 coronavirus cases overnight and another seven deaths.
READ MORE: Matt Canavan calls for end of 'lockdown era'
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Ambulances have been forced to queue at the Northern Hospital in Epping. Nine
Emergency physician Stephen Parnis works out of three Melbourne emergency departments.
He said the healthcare system has been struggling since the start of the pandemic.
"We know it will get worse. The question is how bad will it be," Dr Parnis told Today.
"The question is how many will die before we get to the other side of this peak."
Dr Parnis told Today COVID-19 patients are presenting in a variety of conditions. Today
Dr Parnis said as a consequence of the pressure, medical workers may have to cut corners to provide medical care.
"Care will be compromised," he said.
"That is a really difficult decision for any of us. It causes something called moral injury and that is much, much harder than shift work."
Concern is mounting for Victoria's healthcare system as COVID-19 cases skyrocket. Google Street View
Dr Parnis said COVID-19 patients are presenting in varying conditions.
"There are people who present themselves and they are relatively well, they may have minor symptoms all the way through, to someone presenting with the ambulance officers involved in resuscitation," he said.
Ambulances call ahead when there's a life or death case coming in.
"We have to try to make space in one of our (resuscitation) bays and we have to try to save their lives the minute they come through the door," he said.
"But the most common scenario is the ambulance is waiting for a long time even to get through the doors because we are that crowded."
There was a record number of emergency department presentations at the Northern Hospital on Monday. Nine
Ambulance Victoria told Today the coronavirus pandemic had created significant challenges for front line responders.
"The pandemic continues to have a significant and unprecedented impact on health systems, Ambulance Victoria and hospital emergency departments," a Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.
"Where there are delays in accessing emergency departments, paramedics continue to provide high quality care to patients.
"Our staff are working extremely hard to manage the increasing demand while prioritising care to the sickest Victorians."
If you're struggling during this difficult time, there is 24/7 support available via the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au.
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