The Hodgman Liberal Government’s strategy of opening extra hospital beds to deal with Emergency Department demand pressures is starting to have an impact.
While it is still early days, it is encouraging that Tasmania’s busiest Emergency Department, at the Royal Hobart Hospital, has had six days in a row on the lowest level, this includes periods over the weekend when it is traditionally busy.
When we came to Government we made a commitment to restore services to ensure more people get the care they need sooner and that it what we are doing.
That’s why we have opened more than 80 additional beds and treatment recliners around the state, including 36 to support the Royal Hobart Hospital.
Another 22 beds and treatment recliners will open to support the Royal by the end of this year, and a new 22 bed ward at the Repatriation Hospital will open by mid 2018.
When complete, the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment will also increase bed capacity by another 250 beds.
Every Tasmanian deserves to have access to the best health services available.
We recognise there is still more to be done which is why we will continue to prioritise health.
We are a Government that genuinely wants to make a difference in people’s lives.