Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of Tasmania



30 September 2019

, Minister for Health

Access Solutions Plan update

The implementation of the outcomes of the Access Solutions Meeting, held earlier in the year, is having a positive impact at the Royal Hobart Hospital, with improvements driving better patient flow.

All immediate and short-term solutions from the Plan have been achieved, with medium-term actions progressing.

We all know our hospitals are facing increased demand, with more patients presenting to our emergency departments and with more complex illnesses.

Improving accessibility to health services is a key priority for the Hodgman majority Liberal Government, which is why we are committed to implementing these actions to improve patient flow and maximise ED efficiencies at the RHH.

This is now being supported by initiatives, including:

  • Our Southern Community Rapid Response Service, which is now operational and keeping patients out of hospital and cared for in their community;
  • The ‘decision to admit authority’ will assist in reducing the time it takes to be admitted to other wards from the ED, by enabling our expert ED clinicians to transfer them.
  • The development of a plan to open 44 additional permanent beds on commissioning of K-Block. This will improve patient flow and is expected to reduce ED waiting times and ramping, and improve access to surgery and mental health care.

Most importantly, these positive solutions are being endorsed and driven by our staff in the hospital, and we thank them for their ongoing dedication to providing Tasmanians with the best possible healthcare.

The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is committed to continuing this good work to support our staff and ensure patients are receiving the care they need.



More Media Releases from

More Media Releases from the Minister for Health