Labor seeks health chat

LABOR has asked Premier Will Hodgman to convene a meeting to discuss the state’s health crisis and get pharmacy, radiology and medical imaging staff to work after hours and weekends to ease pressure on the system.

Embattled Health Minister Michael Ferguson yesterday acknowledged the state’s health system was under stress from increasing demand but said the Government had a long-term plan to improve services.

Mr Ferguson has been under pressure as ramping and bed block continues at Tasmania’s hospitals, nurses take industrial action and his own colleagues suggest he needs a rest or more help dealing with the health portfolio.

Mr Ferguson said he would update Parliament this week on the Government’s “longterm plan for health”.

“The challenge we face right now is increasing demand, which is why our main focus has been on redeveloping the RHH, which will mean an extra 250 beds as well as building new wards at the LGH,” Mr Ferguson said.

“We recognise, however, that solutions are needed now to ensure Tasmanians get the care they need sooner.

“We have continually listened and responded by creating and opening 22 extra beds at the Repat, announcing a $1.5 million emergency department support package and over $7 million targeting women needing elective surgery procedures.

“We will recruit around 30 new allied health professionals and nurses as part of our $11 million hospital-inthe-home initiatives, which will lessen the pressure on our hospitals.”

In a letter to Mr Hodgman, Labor Leader Rebecca White said it was incumbent on elected members of parliament to work together in the best interests of Tasmania.

“I would like to request an urgent meeting with you to discuss opportunities to support doctors, nurses and health professionals in ensuring the community has access to the best possible care,’ Ms White wrote.

Ms White called on the Government to release the full KMPG and Deloitte reports so health professionals and the community could understand the state of the health system.

She suggested roundtables be held around Tasmania to listen to those on health’s front line.

The Government needed to address the structural deficit in health funding and work with RHH staff to provide for a seven-day discharge by staffing pharmacy, radiology and medical imaging after hours and on weekends, she said.