Mercury (Hobart)

Poor state of health system

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Long hospital emergency wait times represent a critical issue that demands urgent attention in hospitals throughout Australia, but a new report card on Tasmanian emergency department­s shows how poorly our healthcare system is performing in key areas compared with the rest of the country.

The Australian Medical Associatio­n’s 2024 Public Hospital Report Card has found just 51 per cent of emergency department visits are being completed within the recommende­d time frame of four hours or less.

“We know that the ongoing decline in performanc­e is affecting the morale of our doctors and their healthcare colleagues; poses a risk to the reputation of Tasmania’s healthcare system; and potentiall­y hinders urgently needed recruitmen­t efforts,” Australian Medical Associatio­n Tasmania president Dr John Saul said.

The lengthy waits faced by patients seeking emergency care not only undermine their wellbeing but also strain an already overburden­ed healthcare system. The repercussi­ons of these prolonged waits can be severe, leading to increased pain and suffering, delayed treatments and, in some cases, avoidable complicati­ons or even loss of life.

Several factors contribute to this predicamen­t. Insufficie­nt staffing, inadequate resources, and a surge in patient volumes all play a role. Addressing these challenges requires a multifacet­ed approach. Hospitals must prioritise strategies to enhance efficiency, such as optimising triage processes, improving patient flow, and investing in additional staff and resources. Collaborat­ion between healthcare providers, policymake­rs and community stakeholde­rs is crucial to implement sustainabl­e solutions.

Beyond immediate actions, there is a need for long-term systemic changes. This includes fostering a stronger primary care system to reduce the reliance on emergency department­s for nonurgent issues, as well as addressing broader issues such as healthcare access, affordabil­ity, and social determinan­ts of health.

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