Suggestions that important new equipment for ambulance Tasmania was quarantined for use in a PR event are deeply concerning.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said the introduction of powered stretchers was an important occupational health and safety matter.
“Paramedics are often required to lift and carry patients, putting them at risk of back and other injuries.
“The suggestion from within Ambulance Tasmania that paramedics were told not to use one of these stretchers until after a media event with Sarah Courtney indicates a government prioritising public relations over worker safety.”
Ms Lovell said a report to government leaked in 2019 noted fatigue and work stress as key issues affecting paramedics.
“Tasmania’s hard-working paramedics have been under too much pressure for too long, and their health and wellbeing is suffering as a result.
“The government should be doing everything it can to ensure safe and sustainable working conditions for paramedics, yet nothing has been done to respond to concerns raised in the leaked report.
“Labor is again calling on Sarah Courtney to make it a priority to implement all 47 recommendations of the report.”
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Minister for Health
