More ambulance ramping outside Northern Hospital as health system strains

The strain on Melbourne’s hospital system appears to be getting worse.

There were about 17 ambulance ramped outside the Northern Hospital at Epping last night, unable to access the emergency department.

Thirteen ambulances were in a similar situation a day earlier.

Today Show reporter at the hospital, Izabella Staskowski, says hospital staff say COVID-19 measures are causing delays.

“One of the issues it seems is they’re having to screen patients for COVID, so it’s taking a longer time,” she told Ross and Russel.

“It’s a really difficult time for everyone involved.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about what’s causing the ramping