Dire statistics released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show Tasmania’s emergency departments have reach a new level of crisis.
Ten per cent of Tasmanian patients now spend more than 13 and a half hours in the ED – the worst of any jurisdiction and a shocking three hour increase since 2018-19 (Table 6.1).
For patients who are eventually admitted, the situation is even worse, with 10 per cent spending close to 26 hours in the ED – more than 7 hours longer than the rest of the country.
In the past month we have also heard harrowing personal stories from the ambulance ramping inquiry, including patients dying because health services are stretched beyond breaking point.
It is clear that after 10 years of the Liberals, emergency care is in crisis.
Jeremy Rockliff’s plan to cut $34 million from Tasmania’s emergency departments this year-the equivalent of more than 300 nurses-is only going to make the situation worse.
In contrast, Labor understands health needs a new approach.
Labor has announced a $90 million regional health plan, which will increase services in 18 regional hospitals around the state, including 24/7 emergency care. Labor’s plan will ensure people receive treatment sooner and closer to home, and will take pressure off the emergency departments in our major hospitals.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing
