A damning study published in
the International Emergency Nursing journal has revealed horrific conditions at
the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department.
The research details waiting
times of more than 70 hours, overcrowding and patients being treated in rooms
not fit for purpose.
Shadow Minister for Health
Sarah Lovell said the study’s findings were deeply distressing and were another
example of the State Government’s failure.
“The conditions revealed by
this research are simply horrendous,” Ms Lovell said.
“There are patients being
treated in security rooms, patients waiting outside in the cold, and one
incident of a patient being lost altogether.
“Our health workers work
incredibly hard, however if they are not given the resources they need then
what are they supposed to do?
“While the study is a couple of years old we know that many
of these issues remain.”
It comes just days after it
was revealed that both Launceston General and Royal Hobart Hospitals are
struggling to cope.
“This government continues
to ignore the needs of those in the public health system.
“Health Minister Sarah
Courtney must act before it gets any worse.
“After nearly seven years of Liberal government Tasmania’s health system is getting worse not better.
“Action must be taken to ensure better health outcomes for Tasmanians.”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Health
