Medical scientists at the Launceston General Hospital are escalating their industrial action over ongoing staffing shortages, staging a one-hour walkout today.
The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) members are taking the action due to the government’s “failure to address urgent staffing shortages”, which they say are impacting patient care.
“The staffing crisis has resulted in critical testing being sent to the private sector and patients and other health professionals are waiting longer for important testing results than they really should,” HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore said.
“Delays in diagnostic results can lead to delayed treatments, increased patient anxiety and potential worsening of conditions.”
The union’s action comes after a recent business case outlined the need for an additional 17.54 full-time equivalents (FTE) to “safely meet current demand” in the LGH Pathology laboratory.
However, Moore says there has been no funding commitment since the state budget was handed down last week, leading to concerns that it was not allocated for funding.
“Without sufficient staffing, our entire healthcare system is at risk. It is time to stop the excuses and start fixing this crisis now,” he said.
The Department of Health said they are communicating with the union to address the issues raised by its members.
A spokesperson said options to support the pathology services team with increased resources are being explored.
