A Right to Information (RTI) request released today demonstrates the significant work being done at the Royal Hobart Hospital to open more beds and take pressure off the Emergency Department.
The documents show early planning for new beds at the Royal and details the extensive consultation undertaken with senior medical and nursing staff on the frontline.
The consultation process has continued since these documents were prepared, and has resulted in two new wards spaces providing 19 new beds and four treatment recliners for admitted patients.
The first new ward space is on track to open in coming weeks.
In addition, the RHH is opening three procedure beds and five treatment recliners in the Emergency Department and six step-up beds at the community mental health Tolosa Street Rehabilitation Centre later this year.
Our measures to improve patient flow and access to the Royal Hobart Hospital are backed with additional funding of $48.5 million over four years detailed in the 2017-18 Budget.
Recruitment is underway, and capital works have been scheduled in close consultation with staff to ensure patient care isn’t disrupted during the busy winter flu season.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is continuing to listen and work hard to deliver the health system Tasmanians deserve.
We are making a record investment in health which is in sharp contrast to Labor who in Government cut funding and closed beds, and in Opposition want to put sick Tasmanians into hotel beds.
The RTI can be found here: https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/258295/RTI201617-127_and_128.pdf