Today’s show that after 10 years of the Liberal Government, patients at the Launceston General Hospital are waiting longer than ever to receive care.
Health Minister Guy Barnett has no time to waste to urgently address the needs of the LGH, which is buckling under immense pressure, bed block, ambulance ramping and a reliance on agency nurses.
Today’s results disappointedly shows that only 46 per cent of patients presenting to the LGH emergency department were seen on time in the past 12 months, the lowest level of any ED across the state.
Sadly, the results get worse with only 37 per cent of LGH ED patients seen on time, compared to 56 per cent last October and well below the state average.
Similarly, waiting times have blown out, with LGH ED patients waiting on average 42 minutes to be seen by a doctor and one in 20 choosing not to wait for care.
Coupled with recent coronial inquires, the Rockliff Government needs to act now to repair the flailing health system and the bleak picture for many wanting to access the Northern hospital.
Our hardworking health workers have been pushed to the limit and that goodwill is fast disappearing.
Minister Barnett and the government need to demonstrate they take the health of Northern Tasmanians seriously and they could do this by listening to workers at the hospital and by fast-tracking the stage two redevelopment of the LGH.
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
