Patients waiting in the Launceston General Hospital’s emergency department have, at times, been placed in an old storage cupboard, according to the Hospital’s Acting Emergency Department Director.
During an inquiry on Tuesday into Tasmania’s ambulance ramping crisis, it came to light that the state’s hospitals have resorted to ‘extraordinary measures’ to accommodate patients.
In the inquiry, it was disclosed that hospitals are doing ‘everything they can’ to find space for patients, in an effort to relieve congestion on the ambulance ramp.
“Launceston, for example, has patients in corridors for greater than 24 hours,” Acting Director Dr Paul Scott said.
“[Staff have] accessed an old cupboard, removed the shelves and had patients in a cupboard. They’ve used air lock areas.”
Health Minister Guy Barnett said the state government is working to improve efficiencies in emergency rooms and hopes to have improvements showing soon.
“As a Minister I expect quality care across all the hospital’s of which I’m responsible and I absolutely want a full report on that matter,” Barnett said in response to questions about the cupboard incidents.
“The state does have a very serious issue with respect to the emergency department and transfer of care delays.”
“We plan to improve that and that’s why we’re not waiting, we’ve already got plans in place and action is already underway.”
Greens leader and inquiry committee chairwoman Rosalie Woodruff acknowledged that paramedics and hospital staff have been forced to use every available space due to the lack of proper beds.
“It’s clear that the ramping inquiry is producing outcomes and the government has finally started to do something that they have never picked up before,” she said.
The inquiry will continue to hear additional evidence on Wednesday.
