Tasmanians face an even longer wait for elective surgery when the state’s borders reopen in December.
Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said with COVID set to increase the pressure on our hospitals and health system, elective surgery waiting lists will blow out even further.
“The Liberal government has detailed three scenarios from the Kirby Institute modelling for what will happen when Tasmania’s borders reopen on December the 15th,” Ms Dow said.
“Each scenario includes restrictions, contact tracing and mask wearing, and the modelling tells us that without severe restrictions on movement, hundreds of hospital beds will be needed each day for COVID patients at the peak of transmission.
“In each scenario, the requirement for ICU beds is greater than our current capacity of 34 beds.
“And, even with the surge capacity of 80 extra ICU beds, our hospitals will be under significant strain, putting even more pressure on critical services such as elective surgery and specialist appointments.
“Given that our hospitals are already at breaking point, it is deeply concerning that the Minister Jeremy Rockliff was unable to say what that impact will be under questioning in Parliament today.
“Tasmanians are already waiting too long for health services, living with chronic pain, or in fear of the consequences of their delayed diagnosis or treatment, and excessive wait times for elective surgery alone are costing the economy $120 million every year.
“To have a plan for reopening and yet have no idea of the impact on our overburdened health system is unconscionable.
“It is beyond time for this government to take meaningful action to reduce our waiting lists and give Tasmanians a health system that works for them, instead of against them.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Health Minister
