The number of deaths at Launceston General Hospital referred to the coroner for review has jumped to 22 after an independent review uncovered potential issues with patient record-keeping.
Health Minister Guy Barnett confirmed on Friday that 16 more deaths have been flagged for investigation since February, when the review was launched following claims made at a parliamentary inquiry.
At the time, the Health Department confirmed six deaths had been referred to the coroner.
Barnett said families of the 16 newly referred cases have been contacted.
A further 63 cases are also under examination after being initially assessed by the staff member in question.
Barnett said the results of the independent review were originally due in the middle of this month.
“It’s not quite concluded. It will be concluded in coming days, so it is a little bit late but it has been a lot of work to be undertaken,” he said.
“I can advise that there will be another 16 referrals to the coroner as a result of that further work.”
“It’s taken very seriously, this is an important matter.”
