What is the maximum duration a hospital may divert ambulances for?

The maximum duration that a hospital may divert ambulances is typically set at 90 minutes. This time frame is important because it balances the need for hospitals to manage capacity and patient care effectively while ensuring that ambulance services can still function optimally and deliver patients to facilities capable of providing the necessary care.

A diversion exceeding this time could lead to significant delays in patient care, which is a critical concern in emergency medical services. The 90-minute limit is seen as a standard duration that helps maintain a flow of patients to hospitals without compromising emergency response times and patient safety. This policy often takes into account operational efficiency and access to care for patients in need of urgent treatment.