The Department of Health has called in external consultants to tackle ongoing issues with uncomfortably hot conditions at Launceston General Hospital.
The problem affecting both patients and staff stems from temperature control issues and a lack of air conditioning in older parts of the hospital, Department Secretary Dale Webster said.
“We absolutely acknowledge the feedback from patients and staff regarding temperature control on D-Block when the outside temperature is well above average and we empathise with anyone experiencing uncomfortable conditions,” he said.
“This is an older part of the Launceston General Hospital site that was built in the 1980s and not purpose-built with air conditioning ducts in patient rooms.”
A $4 million chiller replacement project last year installed 10 new units, but it hasn’t improved conditions as much as expected.
“While this investment has improved the situation, I’d like to apologise that the chiller replacement has not worked to improve conditions on D-Block as we had expected, particularly during the current run of high temperatures,” Webster said.
“We have implemented a range of temporary measures that are in line with infection prevention and control standards to alleviate the current conditions and I hope these are assisting the comfort of our patients and staff.”
To help ease the heat, the hospital has brought in portable air conditioners and increased staffing in affected wards.
Further improvements, including window tinting, seal repairs, exhaust cleaning and a trial of sun-blocking blinds, are in progress.
