An independent review will be held into the operations of the Emergency Departments at all four Tasmanian hospitals as part of the Rockliff Liberal Government’s commitment to the ongoing improvement of the State’s health system.
Minister for Health, Guy Barnett, said our team members right across our health system do an incredible job day in and day out, and I back them 100 per cent.
“That’s why I am leaving no stone unturned to make sure we are doing absolutely everything we possibly can to support them,” Minister Barnett said.
“We know Emergency Departments are a real pinch point in our health care system.
“We have an ever-growing number of presentations, many of which are not emergencies and could be treated elsewhere.
“We need to make sure resourcing, work practices, communication, and hospital flow strategies are the best they possibly can be.”
The review process will begin with the Launceston General Hospital – the subject of a recent parliamentary motion – and will be extended to the Royal Hobart Hospital, the North West Regional Hospital and the Mersey Community Hospital.
“This is about ensuring Tasmanians can access the care they need, in the right place, at the right time,” Minister Barnett said.
“Tasmanians can be assured this Government is continuing to do what matters and build a healthcare system that delivers the right healthcare for them, their children and their grandchildren.”
Safety and quality expert Prof Debora Picone AO will lead the review alongside a nursing expert and an expert nominated by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.
