Concerns have been raised about the state of equipment at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) surgery theatres, after images emerged of duct tape wrapped around lighting machines.
Both the Australian Nursing Midwifery Union and Labor have expressed concerns about the situation, with ANMF Tasmania secretary Emily Shepherd stating that the tape is “not covering general wear and tear” but rather that “the enamel on the lights is disintegrating.”
Shepherd also pointed to concerns about infection control in relation to the use of tape on equipment in a theatre area.
However, the Department of Health has dismissed the claims, stating that the lighting equipment is ‘fully operational’ and that surgical services are being delivered unaffected.
A spokesperson for the department explained that the tape is being used to conceal surface wear and tear and as an interim measure while equipment is procured from overseas.
The need to upgrade lighting machines in surgical theatres at the LGH was initially raised in 2018, with two of the theatres having had their lighting replaced.
Opposition Health Minister Anita Dow has called for Premier Jeremy Rockliff to replace the surgical lights at the LGH “as a matter of urgency”.
The Department of Health has confirmed that lighting equipment across LGH theatres is being replaced as part of the theatre refurbishment project.
