The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report reflects the increase in presentations at Tasmania’s emergency departments.
Median wait times in 2016-17 increased by one minute, the Government has taken action to address this by opening more beds, employing more doctors, nurses and paramedic crews.
In fact more than 80 new beds and treatment recliners have opened to ease pressure on our emergency departments. This will climb to a total of more than 120 extra beds by mid next year, including a whole new ward at the Hobart Repat.
These beds will be supported by 350 staff.
DHHS data shows that admissions to Tasmanian hospitals have grown by 20 per cent over the past three years.
It is an issue that the Government is well aware of and will continue working closely with hospital staff and other stakeholders to address.
We believe every Tasmanian deserves to have access to the best health services available which is why we have also set an ambitious new target for nine out of ten people to be in and out of the emergency department within four hours, by 2022.