Tasmanians are being urged to avoid the states two main public hospitals unless it’s an emergency due to “significant demand” pressures.
Department of Health Secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks has asked everyone to “reconsider attending the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department if it is not an emergency”.
“Both hospitals and Ambulance Tasmania are experiencing significant demand for services, while experiencing challenges with staffing due to high rates of unplanned absence, noting that COVID-19, influenza and other seasonal illnesses continue to circulate in the community,” Morgan-Wicks said.
“There are also a high number of patients with complex needs awaiting discharge, including a higher than normal number awaiting placement for aged care facilities and patients awaiting National Disability Insurance Scheme assessments, approvals and supports.”
“The hospitals are closely managing elective surgery activity to maintain access for emergency demand.”
“This includes working with private hospitals to access contracted bed capacity and elective surgery support.”
Tasmanians are encouraged to use recently-opened urgent care centres as an alternative healthcare option.
The “surge” comes after the Royal Hobart Hospital recently experienced demand pressure and ambulance ramping, but did not call a “code yellow” or start escalation protocols.
