The Tasmanian Government has today released the review into Tasmania’s emergency departments and the factors affecting access and flow through public hospitals.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the review highlighted the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients across the State.
“This is another important marker in our commitment to improving health services across the State,” Minister Barnett said.
“The report outlines a series of recommendations aimed at improving bed usage across the health system, alongside better pathways to primary care alternatives and new solutions to enhance the effectiveness of health care.
“Our Government supports the findings, and work is already underway to implement the recommendations.
“I extend my gratitude to the panel, and particularly Professor Deb Picone, for their work throughout this review.
“As a Government, we are committed to delivering continuous and ongoing improvement across all areas of our health system to ensure Tasmanians have access to the health care they deserve.
“These measures will help improve patient flow throughout our healthcare system more easily and help us provide better healthcare and to improve outcomes for all patients.
“I welcome the recommendations and I will work closely with my Department to ensure that the recommendations are implemented in full.
“However, it is once again disappointing that the report highlights the failures of the Federal Government in addressing bed block.
“The reality is, this is an ongoing failure, and I am sick and tired of speaking about it – but we will continue to do so, because it’s what Tasmanians deserve.”
The review’s expert panel was chaired by Adjunct Professor Deborah Picone, and also included Ann Maree Keenan, RN, GAICD, Professor Tony Walker ASM and Dr Niall Small, FACEM.
These recommendations build on a set of interim recommendations delivered in December 2023, and include:
- Immediately establishing a Statewide Integrated Operations Command Centre to better manage the flow of patients and resources across the health system;
