Tasmanians are being warned to expect longer-than-usual wait times at hospitals this long weekend, as industrial action by health workers continues to affect services.
Department of Health secretary Dale Webster said the department was “experiencing increased demand on its services and is managing industrial action”.
“As a result, patients may experience some delays, but we will continue to ensure patients receive the care they need,” he said.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the work bans by the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) “go too far” and are “closing beds, delaying care and increasing pressure on health services that Tasmanians need”.
She said the bans were affecting services, with elective surgeries and endoscopies reduced due to sterilisation slowdowns, beds closed because of bans on essential cleaning and heart-lung services restricted after 3pm.
Staff were also refusing to transport patients for diagnostics and treatment, she said, which was extending their time in hospital.
“This is not the fault of health workers, they are simply doing what the union is directing – but there is no doubt this will impact the health and wellbeing of Tasmanians,” Archer said.
“HACSU has claimed these are designed to inconvenience the government, but delaying someone’s surgery and leaving them in pain is absolutely at odds with that statement.”
Archer said a pay proposal was on the table “in line with what police have accepted” and urged the union to return to negotiations.
HACSU said healthcare workers were “angry at a government that has lied to them and has let them down”.
The union said the health system was “buckling every day because of staffing shortages due to significant recruitment and retention issues”.
“That’s why workers are fighting for decent wages and working conditions,” HACSU said.
The standoff comes ahead of the Eight Hours Day public holiday on Monday, which marks the union movement’s achievement of the eight-hour working day.
Webster urged Tasmanians with non-emergency conditions to consider alternatives, including Medicare Urgent Care clinics.
“However, if you do need emergency medical care for a serious injury or illness, you should always call triple-zero (000) or make your way to the nearest ED – our staff will be there to assist you,” he said.
