Reports of patients dying waiting to be treated at the LGH and southern cancer treatment services unable to cope with surges in demand paint a bleak picture of a health system in crisis. The Rockliff Government needs to get their priorities straight, and ensure Tasmanians have the healthcare they need.
The ANMF are reporting patients are dying at the LGH Emergency Department due to long wait times and inappropriate waiting spaces. Nurses have continually been raising the issues with access and flow at the LGH under the Liberals’ Transfer of Care Procedure but have been ignored by the Liberal Government.
Last year we saw less than half of emergency patients presenting at EDs being seen within clinically recommended timeframes, and what we’re hearing is that things are even worse now.* It’s completely unacceptable that patients are dying waiting for care at the LGH.
Meanwhile, the AMA says underfunding of cancer treatment services in southern Tasmania means there is no capacity to cope with surges in demand. The environment is one mired in delays, inadequate infrastructure, and staffing pressures.
It comes as the Liberals threaten to cut staff within the RHH clinical trial unit, which allows patients to access new cancer treatments. The Liberals underfunding of, and cuts to, cancer treatment services are simply not good enough.
Tasmanian’s healthcare system is in crisis. Every Tasmanian should be able to access the life-saving medical care they need, but the Liberals’ poor management and underfunding means this isn’t the case.
While the Liberals have created a budget mess, it shouldn’t mean we can’t fund the health services Tasmanians need. It’s all a matter of priorities, and the Liberals need to get theirs straight. For many Tasmanians, it’s a matter of life or death.
*Report on Government Services data shows 47% of Category 2 (“Emergency”) patients seen on time. All Category 1 (“Resuscitation”) patients were seen on time.
