Urgent action is needed to fix mobile phone blackspots in the Royal Hobart Hospital’s newly opened K Block.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said problems with mobile phone coverage are putting patient care at risk and must be addressed as soon as possible.
“Medical staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital rely on smartphones to communicate with each other and ensure they are readily available at all times,” Ms Lovell said.
“So, it is extremely concerning to hear that there are mobile blackspots throughout K Block, hampering these vital hospital communications.
“If medical staff cannot communicate, how can they respond to a medical emergency?
“With a mobile phone coverage survey identifying areas without adequate coverage during construction of the building, it is inconceivable that these problems were not addressed before K Block opened.
“With the technology available for in-building communications, including 5G, there is no excuse for sub-standard reception.
“The Liberal government rushed to open K Block in March to deal with any surge in demand due to COVID-19
“But they did so without resolving issues with lead in the facility’s drinking water or noise from air conditioners. Now, four months on, we still have mobile phone blackspots putting patient care at risk.
“We cannot afford to have K Block become an expensive white elephant with ongoing issues at every turn. I call on the government to fix this problem as a matter of urgency so Tasmanians can have confidence that they are receiving optimal care in our hospitals.”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
