A new online tool that will display wait times in emergency departments across the state is set to go live this week.
The state government says the ‘ED dashboard’ will assist non-urgent patients in gauging waiting times before deciding whether they should go to an ED for less serious illnesses or injuries.
“I want to stress that the new dashboard is not relevant for those people who are critically unwell,’’ Health Minister Guy Barnett said.
“Anyone who requires emergency medical care for a serious injury or illness should always call triple zero (000) or go to their nearest ED immediately, our dedicated and skilled hospital staff will always be there for you.”
ED teams across Tasmania treat more than 480 people each day, a number that often surges on weekends and during holiday periods.
Barnett also announced a new direct-to-waiting-room pathway, allowing paramedics to directly transfer patients with minor injuries and illnesses to the emergency department waiting room.
“This will significantly help with the challenges of transfer of care delays (ramping),” he said.
“Conditions that could be suitable for patients to be directly transferred to the waiting room include minor lacerations, sprains and minor fractures, minor rashes or bites, earache, headache and minor gastrointestinal symptoms.”
Labor have criticised the government’s announcement, saying that it is a band-aid measure and that the health system needs deeper repair.
