More people coming forward with alarming Mersey ED incidents

Tasmanian Labor
  • Reduced Mersey ED hours causing distress in the North West
    • More people coming forward with concerning personal stories
    • Sarah Courtney must take responsibility and fix systemic problems

    Tasmanian Labor is hearing alarming stories from members of the local community who are impacted by reduced hours at the Mersey Community Hospital’s emergency department.

    Labor Member for Braddon, Anita Dow, said the downgrading of hours at the ED was causing distress in the North West community.

    “Since the announcement to reduce hours at the Mersey ED, many people have contacted Labor with troubling stories about their experiences, including the family of an older gentleman who had two strokes in June,” Ms Dow said

    “This man presented to the Mersey ED around 8.30pm but after a 5 hour wait, he was told the ED was closed, even though he was sitting in the waiting room, and that he would need to be transferred to the North West Regional Hospital.

    “He was transferred by ambulance at 3am and his daughter describes the experience as a “total shambles”.

    “Sadly, this gentleman now has permanent damage to his eyesight but his family describe this as “lucky” given their experience.

    “Examples like this are only going to become more common with the Government’s decision to further slash services from this week, and we are already hearing from staff who feel very distressed about the potential for something to go very wrong.

    “A damning report released yesterday by the Integrity Commission, which highlighted historical cultural issues in the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) North West, may be a contributing factor as to why the government is unable to attract staff to the North West resulting in the downgrading of services.

    “The government needs to ensure lessons are learned from this investigation and the independent enquiry into the North West outbreak which is currently underway.

    “We thank the health professionals across the North West who are working tirelessly under incredible circumstances to provide essential care and services for our community.”

    Anita Dow MP

    Labor Member for Braddon

    /Public Release. View in full here.