Patients at the Launceston General Hospital are reportedly being treated with icy poles in areas with inadequate cooling systems as the state swelters through a heatwave warning.
The Health and Community Services Union says the lack of air conditioning in critical areas, including two wards and the ambulance bay, poses a serious risk to the health of already vulnerable patients and the safety of staff.
“With temperatures reaching the mid-30s, the current situation is dangerously inadequate,” HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore said.
“The Ambulance bay has been particularly concerning, where temperatures soared to 36°C by 9:00am in January.”
HACSU says the hospital has resorted to handing out icy poles to staff and patients and turning off lights to reduce heat output.
“Patients cannot remain in ambulances due to the risk of fuel fume poisoning, further exacerbating an already critical situation,” Moore said.
“Despite having raised these issues over the past 12 months, LGH management and the government have sat on their hands.”
The union is calling for the urgent installation of portable air conditioning units in both D Block and the ambulance bay to provide more substantial immediate relief from the extreme heat.
HACSU is also advocating for additional hours for the infection control team to maintain and clean the cooling units to mitigate infection risks.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he is concerned about patient comfort and safety when it comes to the conditions within the hospital.
“We have consistently invested and upgraded in air conditioning in the hospital. Some 10 units, I stand to be corrected on that exact figure, have been upgraded in recent times and will continue to do more. It’s very important,” he said.
“The building is very old … which is why we’re continuing to upgrade our air conditioning systems across the hospital.”
When asked what is being done to address the issue immediately, he said they are “doing all we can to mitigate the circumstances now.”
“In the midst of this heatwave, we’ll do all we can to ensure patient comfort and safety, which I know should be and is an absolute priority.”
