again disrespects hard working LGH staff
for new escalation protocols
at the LGH are the worst in the country
The Government has failed
hard working Launceston General Hospital staff by voting down Labor’s motion
calling for the introduction of a fourth escalation level at the hospital.
Shadow Health Minister,
Sarah Lovell, said it was yet another display of disrespect for LGH staff.
“Three weeks ago, staff
requests to declare a code yellow or internal emergency to relieve pressure on
the emergency department were denied,” Ms Lovell said.
“These requests were made at
a time when 12 admitted patients had been waiting in the ED for longer than 24
hours for a bed, with four of those patients waiting longer than two days, and
one patient forced to wait 16 hours in an ambulance.
“Today, the concerns of
staff have again been ignored by this Government who failed to listen to their
calls for the introduction of a fourth level in the LGH escalation policy, in
line with protocols at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
“This would have empowered
them to systematically deal with the all too frequent incidences of access
block – which means patients are stuck in ED because there are no beds
available.
“Waiting times at the LGH are the worst in the country. How long can this Government ignore the shocking statistics and the pleas for action by staff?”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
