The Department of Health is responsible for hospitals, ambulances, community health, and related areas such as primary healthcare.
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What's the latest
KP Health has independently reviewed Tasmania’s Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS). The Tasmanian Government has accepted all 35 recommendations provided in the review.
Read the Media Release - More support for patients in need of travel assistance
The Secretary, Department of Health will lead a Child Safe Governance Review to examine the governance of the Launceston General Hospital and Human Resources, in particular with a focus upon the handling of serious misconduct such as institutional child sexual abuse.
For further information, please refer to the Terms of Reference.
Through the Child Safe Organisation Project, we are implementing key improvements across the Department to build a child safe culture that ensures the rights, safety, and wellbeing of every child and young person accessing our services.
The project is building on existing patient quality and safety approaches to implement the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and associated child safe standards to give us the tools to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all children.
In an important first milestone for the project, we are today releasing a new Department of Health Child Safety and Wellbeing Framework for consultation and stakeholder feedback.
The framework outlines the proposed approach to safeguarding children and young people accessing our services and facilities, including expressly stating rights of children and young people, a safeguarding definition for the Department of Health, governance arrangements, education and training approaches, and best practice procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns.
The framework is also supported by guidelines on recognising the signs of harm to children and young people and disclosures of harm.
We are already making strong progress in implementing immediate changes to ensure the safety of children and young people across health services.
To support our staff to recognise and respond to child safety concerns, we are introducing mandatory child safety training for all Department of Health staff and volunteers, and this month we are piloting the child safeguarding training program with priority areas of the workforce that work with children and young people.
Importantly, we have also launched a new “Reporting Concerns of Inappropriate Behaviour Form” for the public and staff to report any behaviour that has occurred in our hospitals and health workplaces and is inappropriate or causes concern. This provides all members of the public and staff with a clear and standardised route to report any concerns to the Department, in addition to existing avenues for reporting.
Nothing is more important to our hospitals and health services than the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable people that come into our care.
Every one of us has a personal responsibility to uphold the rights of children and young people to safely receive health care.
We welcome feedback on the Child Safety and Wellbeing Framework from key stakeholders, with comments to [email protected] until 24 July 2022.
For further information and to download the documents, please visit: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/publications/child-safety-and-wellbeing-consultation-documents
Contact: Oliver Ellis
Phone: 0447 992 509
What the Department is doing
The Child Safe Governance Review, announced by the State Government on 3 July 2022 is commencing immediately.
While the State Government looks forward to the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry next year, it is clear that action is needed now.
The Child Safe Governance Review is about making important and necessary changes which will focus on resetting the organisational structure of the LGH and Human Resources, with a priority focus on the handling of serious misconduct such as institutional child sexual abuse. This is about safeguarding children.
An important step has now been taken in the Child Safe Governance Review with the announcement of the appointment of the two Independent Co-Chairs of the Governance Advisory Panel which will conduct the Review.
Read the announcement from the Premier and the Secretary
The Governance Advisory Panel will include other independent experts with qualifications in governance, child safety, hospital administration and human resources management. Union Representatives have also been invited to participate.
It is also vitally important that victim-survivors are provided with an opportunity to participate in the Review. Victim-survivors will be invited to participate in an expert reference group for the Governance Advisory Panel.
Department of Health staff are also encouraged to participate in the Review.
Expression of interest
Applications for the Governance Advisory Panel closed on Friday, 22 July 2022.
Applicants will be advised of the outcome shortly.
View or download the Terms of Reference for the Governance Advisory Panel
Our Healthcare Future will build a sustainable health system in Tasmania.
It will connect and rebalance care across acute, subacute, rehabilitation, mental health and primary health to care in the community.
This is stage two of the Tasmanian Government’s long-term reform to consult, design and build an integrated and sustainable health service.
We require ongoing collaboration with health consumers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders for these reforms to be successful. This year there will be opportunity to participate in clinical services and long-term planning.
For further information about the reform and consultation process, email: [email protected].
Advancing Tasmania's health
Our Healthcare Future: Advancing Tasmanian’s Health provides a united vision that all Tasmanians are supported by a world-class, innovative and integrated health system.
It provides a policy direction for healthcare in Tasmania over the next 20 years.
Our Healthcare Future: Advancing Tasmanian’s Health provides six principles to support how the vision will be achieved and guide decision making.
The Tasmanian health system will be:
- consumer centred
- collaborative
- innovative
- integrated
- equitable
- evidence based
Based on these principles, six strategic ambitions have been developed for the future health reforms:
- Better and More Accessible Community Care
- Strengthening Prevention
- Partnering with Consumers and Clinicians
- Building the Health Workforce
- Delivering the Health Infrastructure of the Future
- Strengthening Tasmania’s Pandemic Response
The exposure draft of Our Healthcare Future: Advancing Tasmania’s Health was guided by an Expert Advisory Group.
The Group represented health consumers, clinicians, academics, primary health and social services to work with senior members of the Department. It concluded in December 2021 and supported:
- A Literature Review on strengthening healthcare to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This is being done by the University of Tasmania.
- A data analysis exercise to model projected demand for healthcare in Tasmania based on population need. The findings of this exercise are presented in the companion document Drivers of Tasmania’s Future Population Health Needs.
The Department thanks the Expert Advisory Group for their time and expertise guiding this work.
For information on how Our Healthcare Future: Advancing Tasmania’s Health will inform future health planning, please refer to the summary of the Strategic Planning Environment.
Progress Summary Reports
Progress summary reports are published quarterly. They provide progress towards the Immediate Actions for the long-term plan for healthcare in Tasmania.
- Progress Summary Report - July 2022
- Progress Summary Report - April 2022
- Progress Summary Report - January 2022
- Progress Summary Report - October 2021
- Progress Summary Report - July 2021
To find out more about the Immediate Actions see below.
Immediate actions
The Department is implementing immediate actions as part of the development and implementation of the long-term plan for healthcare in Tasmania.
Reform Initiative 1: Increase and better target our investment to the right care, place and time to maximise benefits to patients.
- Finalise implementation and evaluate the Southern Hospital in the Home Trial.
- Consult stakeholders on the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) Feasibility Study findings and finalise future delivery models.
- Develop and implement a service that provides GPs and other primary care health professionals with rapid access to staff specialists in the North and North West to provide care to people with chronic and complex healthcare needs, particularly during early acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.
- Building on Tasmania's response to COVID-19 which included significant focus on telehealth develop and implement a Telehealth Strategy for Tasmania that provides high quality patient care and integrates service delivery across acute, subacute, primary and community care.
Reform Initiative 2: Invest in modern ICT infrastructure to digitally transform our hospitals, improve patient information outcomes and better manage our workforce.
- Procure and implement a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to replace payroll, rostering, workplace health and safety, conduct and leave management.
- Develop a Health ICT Plan 2020 - 2030 encompassing electronic medical records, a new patient information system, electronic tools for managing care for patients in appropriate settings, and the new Human Resource Information System.
- Partner with Primary Health Tasmania to improve patient care by enhancing the interface between specialist and primary healthcare through:
- implementation of a single eReferral system between primary care and the Tasmanian Health Service
- scoping the requirements to implement a secure web-based application to enable GPs to view key information about patients in the care held by the Tasmanian Health Service
- a continued partnership-based focus on the development and implementation of jointly agreed clinician led Tasmanian health pathways.
Reform Initiative 3a: Develop a long-term health infrastructure strategy for Tasmania.
- Develop a 20-year Tasmanian health infrastructure strategy to ensure our health facilities enable us to deliver the right care, in the right place and at the right time to improve access to quality healthcare and help manage demand for acute hospital services.
- This will be informed by the masterplans for each of the major hospitals and include District Hospitals, community health centres, ambulance services and mental health infrastructure.
Reform Initiative 3b: Build a strong health professional workforce, aligned to a highly integrated health service, to meet the needs of Tasmanians.
- Release Health Workforce 2040 for consultation.
- Provide an opportunity for health professionals, health services, educational institutions and future health professionals to review and provide further input into the draft Health Workforce 2040 strategy. This will inform the final Focus Areas and Actions in the strategy.
- Partner with the University of Tasmania to better help support the recruitment of targeted specialists in regional areas through conjoint appointments, with a focus on the North West.
- Engage with the University of Tasmania to explore the alignment of future course offerings to future identified gaps in the workforce.
Reform Initiative 3c: Strengthen the clinical and consumer voice in health service planning.
- Establish a Statewide Clinical Senate to provide expert advice to the Secretary, Department of Health and Ministers on health service planning. The purpose, role and function of the Clinical Senate will be co-designed with key stakeholders.
- Establish a Future Health Leaders Forum to support and develop emerging health leaders.
Our Healthcare Future – Next Steps
Following the release of the exposure draft of Our Healthcare Future: Advancing Tasmania’s Health, the next steps in the Our Healthcare Future reform process are the development of:
- Regional clinical service plans. These plans will encompass primary, acute, sub-acute and community health services.
- An integrated long-term plan for healthcare in Tasmania which incorporates clinical service planning at a statewide level, to be released by December 2022.
The long-term plan will focus on achieving a more sustainable health system with better outcomes for consumers, their families and carers now and in the future. It will also build on and bring together the significant pieces of work already done.
KP Health is working with the Department to develop these plans.
A Health Planning Oversight Committee, reporting to the Secretary DoH, will oversee the development of the plans through to December 2022
The Health Planning Oversight Committee is supported by three regional reference groups and a consumer reference group. Other key stakeholders or reference groups will contribute to different phases of the planning, as needed.
Progress against key planning activities will be monitored to make sure they align with commitments and major service development, infrastructure and masterplanning projects.
To keep up to date, refer to the Progress Summary Reports
Stage 2 - Our Healthcare Future
Our Healthcare Future will build a sustainable health system in Tasmania.
It will connect and rebalance care across acute, subacute, rehabilitation, mental health and primary health to care in the community.
We know that healthcare demand is increasing in Tasmania due to:
- Social and demographic features including ageing population and high number of people living with co-morbid health conditions.
- People being cared for in hospital instead of through subacute, primary, community and home-based services.
- Care in the wrong place isn’t best for people and comes at a high cost.
Around $100 million is spent each year on care delivered in hospital that could have been delivered at a lower cost in the community.
Stage Two reforms will focus on the delivery of better care in the community, as part of a balanced and sustainable health system – right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Consultation paper and emerging themes
The release of the Our Healthcare Future Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper in late 2020 marked the start of the Stage Two reforms. The Consultation Paper highlighted key issues impacting healthcare in Tasmania now and in the future, and proposed three key improvement areas:
- Better Community Care
- Modernising Tasmania’s Health System
- Planning for the Future
The Department would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who prepared submissions in response to the Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper.
Analysis of submissions – Emerging Themes
Submissions were received from a broad cross section of the community, including consumers, clinicians, professional groups, service providers, advocacy groups, policy experts and academics.
The Department’s completed analysis outlines the Emerging Themes (Summary Version) from the submissions, finding:
- wide support for the overarching proposed themes
- strong support for patients to be treated in the community where possible, and for greater emphasis on preventative health
- an acknowledged need for digital transformation, long-term infrastructure and workforce planning to improve access to services and support new models of care.
The submissions noted the importance of health professionals and consumers being involved in health planning and supported the creation of a statewide Clinical Senate and other consumer and clinical engagement strategies to assist in providing this advice.
Further themes to emerge against each key improvement area are set out in detail in the Emerging Themes (Full Version) report. The report also maps the key themes from the submissions against improvement activities that the Tasmanian Government has planned or underway, to identify opportunities for further reform under Our Healthcare Future.
Submissions received in response to the Consultation
The submissions below were received in response to the Our Healthcare Future Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper and have been published in accordance with the Tasmanian Government’s Public Submissions Policy.
In line with the Tasmanian Government Guidelines ‘Publication of submissions received by Tasmanian Government Departments in response to consultation on major policy matters’, some submissions were appropriately withheld from publication or information was wholly or partly redacted. For example, private phone numbers or information that is confidential or identifies third parties.
Opinions expressed in the submissions are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Tasmanian Government or the Department of Health.
If you believe your submission has been inappropriately withheld from publication or redacted, please feel free to contact the Department of Health to discuss this.
ID |
Date Received |
Organisation |
OHF.1.1 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.2 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.3 |
21/01/2021 |
|
OHF.1.4 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.5 |
27/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.6 |
18/01/2021 |
|
OHF.1.7 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.8 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.9 |
17/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.10 |
11/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.11 |
09/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.12 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.13 |
09/02/2021 |
Central Connect's Connecting Care Chronic Health Action Group |
OHF.1.14 |
01/03/2021 |
|
OHF.1.15 |
10/02/2021 |
Clinical Governance Unit; and Quality Patient and Safety Service Unit, DoH |
OHF.1.16 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.17 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.18 |
04/02/2020 |
|
OHF.1.19 |
15/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.20 |
02/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.21 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.22 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.23 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.24 |
17/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.25 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.26 |
10/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.27 |
15/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.28 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.29 |
18/12/2020 |
|
OHF.1.30 |
12/02/2021 |
Health Promotion Consultants/Coordinators, THS North West, South and North |
OHF.1.31 |
23/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.32 |
10/12/2020 |
|
OHF.1.33 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.34 |
04/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.35 |
10/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.36 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.37 |
12/02/2021 |
Occupational Therapy Discipline Leads, THS North, THS South, THS North West |
OHF.1.38 |
25/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.39 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.40 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.41 |
10/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.42 |
22/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.43 |
11/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.44 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.45 |
17/12/2020 |
|
OHF.1.46 |
15/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.47 |
11/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.48 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.49 |
12/01/2021 |
|
OHF.1.50 |
26/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.51 |
18/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.52 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.53 |
16/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.54 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.1.55 |
13/01/2021 |
|
OHF.1.56 |
12/02/2021 |
ID |
Date Received |
Individual(s) |
OHF.2.1 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.2 |
19/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.3 |
01/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.4 |
09/12/2020 |
|
OHF.2.5 |
28/01/2021 |
|
OHF.2.6 |
24/12/2020 |
|
OHF.2.7 |
19/01/2021 |
|
OHF.2.8 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.9 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.10 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.11 |
11/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.12 |
18/01/2021 |
|
OHF.2.13 |
25/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.14 |
02/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.15 |
12/02/2021 |
|
OHF.2.16 |
09/12/2020 |
Stage 1 - One State, One Health System, Better Outcomes
In 2015 stage 1 of the health reforms begun. One State, One Health System, Better Outcomes was the first step of designing and implementing a single, statewide service. The focus was on the four major hospitals and defining their roles within the health system:
- Over $1 billion dollars has been committed to health system infrastructure, and over $550 million to additional staffing and operational costs across our health system.
- The reforms were developed through wide community consultation process.
- In 2019, the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Access Solutions Action Plan and the Patient’s First Hospital Actions looked at issues impacting access and patient flow within the major hospitals.
- Stage One reforms continue to complement Our Healthcare Future (stage 2 reforms).
One State, One Health System, Better Outcomes has also been complemented by the Patient’s First and RHH Access Solutions initiatives which have focused on increasing access to hospital services.
The following documents and consultation papers are available:
One State, One Health System, Better Outcomes
- Exposure Draft White Paper (2015)
- White Paper (2015)
- Tasmanian Clinical Services Profile Implementation Paper (2015)
- Tasmanian Role Delineation Framework (2015)
- Green Paper: Delivering Safe and Sustainable Clinical Services (2014)
- Green Paper Supplement 1 - Sustainability (2014)
- Green Paper Supplement 2 - Workforce (2014)
- Green Paper Supplement 3 - Community Care (2014)
- Green Paper Supplement 4 - Emergency Care (2014)
- Green Paper Supplement 5 - Elective Surgery (2014)
- Green Paper Issues Paper: Rebuilding Tasmania’s Health System (2014)
RHH Access Solutions
Where to get more information
For further information, or to stay informed about the reform process:
- Download the Our Healthcare Future: Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper 2020
- Download the Our Healthcare Future: Thematic Analysis (Summary Version)
- Download the Our Healthcare Future: Thematic Analysis (Full Report)
- Download the Establishing a State-wide Clinical Senate for Tasmania Issues Paper 2021
- email: [email protected]
If you feel unsafe or if you are unhappy with how you have been treated by us please let us know. It is always ok to speak up if you are not happy.
You should speak up...
- If you don't feel safe.
- If you're being hurt.
- If you're unhappy with the way you're being treated.
If you feel unsafe or at risk and need help urgently, call the Police on 000.
Reporting concerns of inappropriate behaviour
Use this form to report concerns of inappropriate behaviour by a staff member, volunteer, visitor, patient or other person within Tasmania’s health care services or premises.
Health topics
Major hospitals
Information for visitors
COVID-19 visitor restrictions
Until further notice, we ask that patients and visitors follow visiting restrictions and social distancing rules, including:
- 1 visitor per patient at a time.
- Visitors must not stay for longer than 30 minutes.
- Visiting hours are 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
- Requests for exceptions to these guidelines can be discussed with the in-charge ward nurse.
- Approved visitors will be screened before they are allowed in the hospital.
If you are an approved visitor, you must:
- Wear a mask at all times while in the Hospital.
- Wash your hands upon entry and exit of each ward or service areas.
- No food or drink to be consumed by visitors at patient bedside.
We recommend children do not visit patients unless the patient is critically unwell.
Please do not visit the hospital, specialists clinic or other services if you or anyone you live with:
- has a cold, diarrhoea, vomiting or any infectious condition
- is unwell
- has a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath
- has lost their sense of taste or smell
- has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is in isolation
- is awaiting a COVID-19 test result and is in isolation
- is a close contact and is not permitted to enter or remain on the premises of a high-risk facility.
You may also be asked to leave while clinical and personal care procedures are being carried out.
For patient admission information, visit the For Patients section on our website.
For more information, go to coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Visiting hours
- You may visit a patient between 2pm and 6pm daily
- Visiting hours and rest periods may be different in some wards
- Nursing staff may change these times as needed
- Patients can decide whether they wish to receive visitors
- Patients can ask us to exclude their details from the enquiry information database
- In some situations, we may stop you from visiting. This may be for medical, social or legal reasons
- Sometimes we may ask you to leave while treatment and care are happening.
Number of visitors
- You may be accompanied by a caregiver or support person if required however if you are independent and attending an appointment, it is recommended that the person bringing you does not attend the facility unless required.
- Only one visitor per patient for a maximum of 30 minutes per day.
- Exceptions are below.
Area of hospital |
Number of visitors |
---|---|
Emergency Department |
|
Neonatal Intensive Care |
|
Paediatric Unit |
|
Maternity Ward |
|
Birth Suite |
|
Pregnancy & Gynaecology Outpatient Clinics |
|
Operating Theatre and Recovery Room |
|
Short Stay Surgical Unit |
|
Palliative Care |
|
Specialists clinics and other services |
|
Rules for visiting a patient
COVID-19 visitor restrictions
All visitors need to be fully vaccinated. Exemptions are available on compassionate grounds. Please contact the hospital for further information.
- Always wear a facemask if you are 12 or older
- Complete the visitor screening tool on arrival
- Wash your hands
- Maintain a safe social distance from others
- Cover your cough or sneeze and then wash and dry your hands
- Please be respectful to staff, other patients and other visitors
- If you act aggressively, we will not allow you to visit in the future
Other ways to keep in touch with a patient
- We understand that this is a very challenging time for everyone
- You can use other ways to keep in touch like phone or text
- The hospital phone number is 03 6777 6777
- Please ask for the ward that the patient is in
- You may call to ask about a patient between 9 am to 5 pm
- Outside these hours, please don’t call unless it is urgent
- To help our staff, please provide the name of one family member to be the main contact for information on your admission form
Type of information we share with your visitors
- Details of your illness are confidential. This means it is private.
- We will not share your personal information without you telling us it is OK. This is called giving consent.
- We may provide information to the person you tell us is your next-of-kin on your admission form.
- Next-of-kin may be your spouse, de facto partner, children or a blood relative like grandparent or sibling.
Supporting children as in-patients
- It is important to spend lots of time with your child in hospital.
- You can help your child by assisting the hospital team if they ask.
- Sometimes nurse may need to limit part of your visit during treatment.
Get information about visiting a patient at the Launceston General Hospital in Tasmania. This includes visiting hours and visitor restrictions.
There is no long-term parking at the hospital. Please have a friend or relative bring you to the hospital if possible.
Parking at the hospital
- Cleveland Street Car Park – reserved for Allied Health Patients
- Viewpoint Car Park - Frankland Street
- Holman Clinic Car Park
- Howick Street Car Park
- Parking fees apply 24 hours
- Any vehicle left unattended may receive an infringement notice
Disabled parking access
Disabled parking spaces are available:
- near the Queen Victoria entrance
- in the Cleveland Street Car Park – reserved for Allied Health Patients
- In the Holman Clinic Car Park
- Near the main entrance on Charles Street
- Under the 4K extension in the Howick Street car park
Parking and entrance map

Download the parking and entrance map for the Launceston General Hospital
On-street parking
Time-limited free on-street parking, is available near the hospital in Charles, Frankland and Howick streets.
- The council may issue you a ticket and fine if you do not park correctly.
- We cannot pay for any parking fines. These are your responsibility.
Other transport options
- There is a taxi rank outside the hospital’s main entrance on Charles Street.
- A metro bus stop is near the corner of Charles and Frankland Streets.
- A free city bus service known as the Tiger Bus also stops here.
Where to access the hospital
There are two drop off/pick up zones for patients:
- near the main entrance in Charles Street (near the Post Box)
- Queen Victoria Maternity entrance off Howick Street
- However, access to the hospital for visitors is limited to the main entrance during the declared COVID-19 emergency
Learn about all the facilities and services available for patients and visitors at the hospital
Food Services Department
Caféteria
- Cafe on Frankland, located on level 2 and is open to staff, patients and visitors.
- Hot and cold meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Snacks and hot and cold beverages including barista-made coffee is available
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 6:15 am to 6:45 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and 5.00 pm to 6.45 pm
- Public Holidays: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm (minor changes to the range of items available).
Catering
- The Food Service Department can supply catering for events large and small. For further information or orders please contact us via [email protected] or phone 03 6777 6526.
COVID-19 changes
During the declared COVID-19 emergency due to social distancing requirements the Cafeteria is only open to hospital staff for dine-in meals. Patients and approved hospital visitors (in-line with the COVID-19 visitor restrictions) are able to access the cafeteria for takeaway only.
Meals and dietary requirements for patients
- As a patient, you will enjoy a choice of meals from the menu you are assigned.
- Your doctor, nurse, dietician or speech pathologist may choose a special diet as part of your treatment.
- You will receive your menu about 8:00 am daily to select your meals for the following day. It will be collected between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
- If you have special dietary requirements including religious and cultural, food allergies or intolerances please tell your nurse or admissions staff.
- If you are in isolation, a nurse will deliver your meal.
Meal type | Time |
---|---|
Water refill | 6:30 am |
Breakfast | 8:00 am |
Morning Tea | 10:00 am to 10.15 am |
Lunch | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm |
Afternoon Tea | 2:00 pm |
Evening Meal | 5:10 pm to 6:10 pm |
Supper | 7:15 pm to 7:30 pm |
Kiosk
- The kiosk is on Level 3.
- The kiosk is run by volunteers.
- It is open between Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 5.30 pm.
- It serves a variety of hot and cold food, drinks, sweets, and ice creams.
- It also sells toys, newspapers flowers, and toiletry items.
- EFTPOS is available for payment.
- The kiosk is run by volunteers.
- All profits go to buying hospital equipment and patient amenities.
Flowers
- Flowers are available from the kiosk.
- Please check with nursing staff or the ward clerk whether flowers are allowed on your ward. Flowers are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit and Acute Medical Unit.
Radio/Television
Each bed has a personal overhead television. Radio access is also available. No outside televisions or radios can be used within the hospital.
Rental agreements can be made for a period of one day, one week, two weeks or longer and the charge is dependent on the term of the rental. Payment should be made to the ward clerk.
Public Telephones
Public telephones are in the hospital’s main foyer, outside of the Emergency Department and on Level 4. Phone cards can be bought at the kiosk.
Mobile Phones
- Mobile phone charge stations are available near the front reception on Charles Street, ICU waiting room, Emergency Department and cafeteria.
- Mobile phones can be used within the hospital. As a courtesy you should switch your phone to silent. Taking photos of staff, other patients and visitors without permission is strictly prohibited.
ATM
- An ATM is on Level 3 near the Volunteer Office.
Religion and chaplaincy services
- Chaplains are always available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
- They provide spiritual and emotional care and pastoral support for patients, carers, staff and families.
- They are available to listen and support all people in challenging situations.
- They support people of all faiths and people who do not share a faith.
- We can arrange pastoral visitors from other denominations and faiths.
- We can help with baptisms, naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.
- You can ask for a chaplain by asking nursing staff or hospital reception.
St Paul’s Chapel
- St Paul’s Chapel is on Level 3.
- It is a quiet place in the hospital.
- It is open to everyone regardless of your faith.
- We have a service every Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Social workers
- Social workers provide counselling, support and practical help.
- They can help you and your family if you are dealing with illness, hospitalisation or disability.
- You can ask for a social worker by visiting the Allied Health Department on Level 2 or phoning 6777 6245.
- You can also ask the ward staff to organise a social worker for you.
How social workers can help you
Our social workers can help you and your family with:
- planning for your admission and discharge from hospital
- grief, loss and trauma
- adjusting to illness, treatment and rehabilitation
- family and relationship concerns
- support for your carers and family
- work, money and legal issues (such as Centrelink, DVA, MAIB, Workers' Compensation)
- information and options for aged care
- support for chronic illness
- helping you and your family with your rights
- cultural issues and needs
- talking through your worries and plans.
Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer
We have an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer available at the hospital. They can help you:
- if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- access hospital and health services
- connect with services and people who can help support your cultural and other needs.
How to find the Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer
- The office is on Level 2 near the cafeteria.
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
- Or you can ask the admission or ward staff to do this for you.
Read more about Aboriginal Health Liason Officers
PTAS office
You may be able to apply for financial help towards travel and accommodation costs. This is through the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS). It is available to you if you:
- must travel outside of Tasmania for specialist medical services
- have to get specialist help away from home
- are receiving oncology or dialysis within Tasmania
- need to travel more than 50 kilometres in distance one way.
How to find out more about PTAS
- Visit our PTAS office located on Level 1.
- Phone: 03 6777 6249.
Learn more about travel support for patients
Refugee Health Social Work Services
- The Refugee Health Social Worker (RHSW) provides ongoing support to our refugee arrived community, temporary visa holders, seasonal workers and can offer support to the migrant community.
- This support is offered individually, as a family group or at a community level and it can be short or long term.
- The RHSW will help you to access hospital and interpreter services as well as other health services in the community.
- The RHSW will provide information and help you to access other services you may be entitled to if you are living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability.
- The social worker can offer you or your family counselling support.
- You do not have to be a patient in the hospital for the social worker to support you. The social worker offers support to new arrivals as well as to those who have lived in Tasmania for a while.
How to find the Refugee Health Social Worker
- The office is in the Northern Integrated Care Service building in the refugee health office on the ground floor where you will have already met the nurse and the social worker.
- You are very welcome to walk into the building and ask for the social worker.
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
- Or you can ask the admission or ward staff to do this for you.
Cancer Information and Support Centre
- If you or a family member has cancer, there is a free information and support service.
- This is provided by the Cancer Council Tasmania and Leukemia Foundation.
- Address: 69 Howick Street, Launceston
- Phone: 03 6779 1100
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
McGrath Breast Care Nurses
- The McGrath Breast Care Nurse provides support to people with breast cancer.
- This service is also available to help your family, friends and carers.
- This is a free service.
- You can ask for the McGrath Breast Care Nurse while you are in hospital.
- You can also refer yourself.
Learn about breast care nurses
Spurr Wing and Spurr Wing House
Spurr Wing and Spurr Wing House is a ‘home away from home’ for patients receiving treatment and their families.
Who can stay here?
This accommodation is available for:
- country patients receiving daily treatments
- country patients undergoing procedures who need somewhere to stay overnight.
- parents of children who are inpatients.
- country and interstate immediate family members of inpatients.
Location and size
It is at 268 and 270 Charles Street, Launceston. This is a one-minute walk from the hospital. It has:
- single rooms
- twin-share rooms
- a flat for families with children
- a unit for people with disabilities
- self-contained two-bedroom unit.
Costs and how to book
- Phone: 03 6331 2457
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
Quiet Room and Prayer Room
- There is a quiet room on Level 2 near the cafeteria.
- This room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Staff and patients can use this room.
- Please be respectful of others when using this space.
Baby Change and Feeding Facilities
There is a baby change and feeding room available for visitors and staff on Level 2. It is on the corridor between the cafeteria and the pre-admission clinic. There are also baby change facilities on Level 3 (near the Renal Unit).
Public Toilets
There are public toilets available throughout the hospital. They are clearly marked. Visitors must not use patient toilets on wards.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and on the grounds of the LGH. The Public Health Act imposes financial penalties for anyone who fails to follow the no smoking rules.
Transit Lounge
- The Transit Lounge is on Level 2, near the set of four lifts and the same level as the cafeteria.
- It is a waiting area for patients being admitted to or discharged from hospital – like when you arrive early at a hotel and your room isn’t ready, or you must check out early and need somewhere to wait.
- If you are being discharged or transferred to another hospital and waiting on the ward for a script, someone to pick you up or paperwork you can wait in the Transit Lounge.
- If you are being admitted from Emergency or a clinic and your ward bed isn’t ready you can wait in the Lounge.
- The Transit Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm.
Discover facilities at Launceston General Hospital for patients and visitors. This includes indigenous and multicultural support, chaplaincy, food and internet.
There is no long-term parking at the hospital. Please have a friend or relative bring you to the hospital if possible.
Parking at the hospital
- Cleveland Street Car Park – reserved for Allied Health Patients
- Viewpoint Car Park - Frankland Street
- Holman Clinic Car Park
- Howick Street Car Park
- Parking fees apply 24 hours
- Any vehicle left unattended may receive an infringement notice
Disabled parking access
Disabled parking spaces are available:
- near the Queen Victoria entrance
- in the Cleveland Street Car Park – reserved for Allied Health Patients
- In the Holman Clinic Car Park
- Near the main entrance on Charles Street
- Under the 4K extension in the Howick Street car park
Parking and entrance map

Download the parking and entrance map for the Launceston General Hospital
On-street parking
Time-limited free on-street parking, is available near the hospital in Charles, Frankland and Howick streets.
- The council may issue you a ticket and fine if you do not park correctly.
- We cannot pay for any parking fines. These are your responsibility.
Other transport options
- There is a taxi rank outside the hospital’s main entrance on Charles Street.
- A metro bus stop is near the corner of Charles and Frankland Streets.
- A free city bus service known as the Tiger Bus also stops here.
Where to access the hospital
There are two drop off/pick up zones for patients:
- near the main entrance in Charles Street (near the Post Box)
- Queen Victoria Maternity entrance off Howick Street
- However, access to the hospital for visitors is limited to the main entrance during the declared COVID-19 emergency
Learn about all the facilities and services available for patients and visitors at the hospital
Food Services Department
Caféteria
- Cafe on Frankland, located on level 2 and is open to staff, patients and visitors.
- Hot and cold meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Snacks and hot and cold beverages including barista-made coffee is available
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 6:15 am to 6:45 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and 5.00 pm to 6.45 pm
- Public Holidays: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm (minor changes to the range of items available).
Catering
- The Food Service Department can supply catering for events large and small. For further information or orders please contact us via [email protected] or phone 03 6777 6526.
COVID-19 changes
During the declared COVID-19 emergency due to social distancing requirements the Cafeteria is only open to hospital staff for dine-in meals. Patients and approved hospital visitors (in-line with the COVID-19 visitor restrictions) are able to access the cafeteria for takeaway only.
Meals and dietary requirements for patients
- As a patient, you will enjoy a choice of meals from the menu you are assigned.
- Your doctor, nurse, dietician or speech pathologist may choose a special diet as part of your treatment.
- You will receive your menu about 8:00 am daily to select your meals for the following day. It will be collected between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
- If you have special dietary requirements including religious and cultural, food allergies or intolerances please tell your nurse or admissions staff.
- If you are in isolation, a nurse will deliver your meal.
Meal type | Time |
---|---|
Water refill | 6:30 am |
Breakfast | 8:00 am |
Morning Tea | 10:00 am to 10.15 am |
Lunch | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm |
Afternoon Tea | 2:00 pm |
Evening Meal | 5:10 pm to 6:10 pm |
Supper | 7:15 pm to 7:30 pm |
Kiosk
- The kiosk is on Level 3.
- The kiosk is run by volunteers.
- It is open between Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 5.30 pm.
- It serves a variety of hot and cold food, drinks, sweets, and ice creams.
- It also sells toys, newspapers flowers, and toiletry items.
- EFTPOS is available for payment.
- The kiosk is run by volunteers.
- All profits go to buying hospital equipment and patient amenities.
Flowers
- Flowers are available from the kiosk.
- Please check with nursing staff or the ward clerk whether flowers are allowed on your ward. Flowers are not permitted in the Intensive Care Unit and Acute Medical Unit.
Radio/Television
Each bed has a personal overhead television. Radio access is also available. No outside televisions or radios can be used within the hospital.
Rental agreements can be made for a period of one day, one week, two weeks or longer and the charge is dependent on the term of the rental. Payment should be made to the ward clerk.
Public Telephones
Public telephones are in the hospital’s main foyer, outside of the Emergency Department and on Level 4. Phone cards can be bought at the kiosk.
Mobile Phones
- Mobile phone charge stations are available near the front reception on Charles Street, ICU waiting room, Emergency Department and cafeteria.
- Mobile phones can be used within the hospital. As a courtesy you should switch your phone to silent. Taking photos of staff, other patients and visitors without permission is strictly prohibited.
ATM
- An ATM is on Level 3 near the Volunteer Office.
Religion and chaplaincy services
- Chaplains are always available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
- They provide spiritual and emotional care and pastoral support for patients, carers, staff and families.
- They are available to listen and support all people in challenging situations.
- They support people of all faiths and people who do not share a faith.
- We can arrange pastoral visitors from other denominations and faiths.
- We can help with baptisms, naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals.
- You can ask for a chaplain by asking nursing staff or hospital reception.
St Paul’s Chapel
- St Paul’s Chapel is on Level 3.
- It is a quiet place in the hospital.
- It is open to everyone regardless of your faith.
- We have a service every Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Social workers
- Social workers provide counselling, support and practical help.
- They can help you and your family if you are dealing with illness, hospitalisation or disability.
- You can ask for a social worker by visiting the Allied Health Department on Level 2 or phoning 6777 6245.
- You can also ask the ward staff to organise a social worker for you.
How social workers can help you
Our social workers can help you and your family with:
- planning for your admission and discharge from hospital
- grief, loss and trauma
- adjusting to illness, treatment and rehabilitation
- family and relationship concerns
- support for your carers and family
- work, money and legal issues (such as Centrelink, DVA, MAIB, Workers' Compensation)
- information and options for aged care
- support for chronic illness
- helping you and your family with your rights
- cultural issues and needs
- talking through your worries and plans.
Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer
We have an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer available at the hospital. They can help you:
- if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- access hospital and health services
- connect with services and people who can help support your cultural and other needs.
How to find the Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer
- The office is on Level 2 near the cafeteria.
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
- Or you can ask the admission or ward staff to do this for you.
Read more about Aboriginal Health Liason Officers
PTAS office
You may be able to apply for financial help towards travel and accommodation costs. This is through the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS). It is available to you if you:
- must travel outside of Tasmania for specialist medical services
- have to get specialist help away from home
- are receiving oncology or dialysis within Tasmania
- need to travel more than 50 kilometres in distance one way.
How to find out more about PTAS
- Visit our PTAS office located on Level 1.
- Phone: 03 6777 6249.
Learn more about travel support for patients
Refugee Health Social Work Services
- The Refugee Health Social Worker (RHSW) provides ongoing support to our refugee arrived community, temporary visa holders, seasonal workers and can offer support to the migrant community.
- This support is offered individually, as a family group or at a community level and it can be short or long term.
- The RHSW will help you to access hospital and interpreter services as well as other health services in the community.
- The RHSW will provide information and help you to access other services you may be entitled to if you are living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability.
- The social worker can offer you or your family counselling support.
- You do not have to be a patient in the hospital for the social worker to support you. The social worker offers support to new arrivals as well as to those who have lived in Tasmania for a while.
How to find the Refugee Health Social Worker
- The office is in the Northern Integrated Care Service building in the refugee health office on the ground floor where you will have already met the nurse and the social worker.
- You are very welcome to walk into the building and ask for the social worker.
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
- Or you can ask the admission or ward staff to do this for you.
Cancer Information and Support Centre
- If you or a family member has cancer, there is a free information and support service.
- This is provided by the Cancer Council Tasmania and Leukemia Foundation.
- Address: 69 Howick Street, Launceston
- Phone: 03 6779 1100
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
McGrath Breast Care Nurses
- The McGrath Breast Care Nurse provides support to people with breast cancer.
- This service is also available to help your family, friends and carers.
- This is a free service.
- You can ask for the McGrath Breast Care Nurse while you are in hospital.
- You can also refer yourself.
Learn about breast care nurses
Spurr Wing and Spurr Wing House
Spurr Wing and Spurr Wing House is a ‘home away from home’ for patients receiving treatment and their families.
Who can stay here?
This accommodation is available for:
- country patients receiving daily treatments
- country patients undergoing procedures who need somewhere to stay overnight.
- parents of children who are inpatients.
- country and interstate immediate family members of inpatients.
Location and size
It is at 268 and 270 Charles Street, Launceston. This is a one-minute walk from the hospital. It has:
- single rooms
- twin-share rooms
- a flat for families with children
- a unit for people with disabilities
- self-contained two-bedroom unit.
Costs and how to book
- Phone: 03 6331 2457
- You can also contact them via the Social Work department.
Quiet Room and Prayer Room
- There is a quiet room on Level 2 near the cafeteria.
- This room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Staff and patients can use this room.
- Please be respectful of others when using this space.
Baby Change and Feeding Facilities
There is a baby change and feeding room available for visitors and staff on Level 2. It is on the corridor between the cafeteria and the pre-admission clinic. There are also baby change facilities on Level 3 (near the Renal Unit).
Public Toilets
There are public toilets available throughout the hospital. They are clearly marked. Visitors must not use patient toilets on wards.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and on the grounds of the LGH. The Public Health Act imposes financial penalties for anyone who fails to follow the no smoking rules.
Transit Lounge
- The Transit Lounge is on Level 2, near the set of four lifts and the same level as the cafeteria.
- It is a waiting area for patients being admitted to or discharged from hospital – like when you arrive early at a hotel and your room isn’t ready, or you must check out early and need somewhere to wait.
- If you are being discharged or transferred to another hospital and waiting on the ward for a script, someone to pick you up or paperwork you can wait in the Transit Lounge.
- If you are being admitted from Emergency or a clinic and your ward bed isn’t ready you can wait in the Lounge.
- The Transit Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm.
At the Launceston General Hospital, we provide you with many treatments and services including:
- Medical care if you are in hospital
- services to help you when you leave the hospital
- emergency care in our Emergency Department
- care at specialist clinics if your doctor provides a referral letter.
Our services
- Audiology Service (Statewide)
- Birth and Care After Birth
- Bone Marrow Transplant Service (Statewide)
- Cardiology Department at the LGH
- Cochlear Implant and Cochlear Implant Assessment for Infants and Children
- Community Nursing Service - North
- Diabetes Centre - Education Seminars and Support Groups
- Diabetes Education Service
- Emergency Medicine
- Northern Cancer Service - Holman Clinic
- Midwifery Group Practice
- Northern Cancer Service
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthopaedics
- Orthotic Prosthetic Services Tasmania (OPST)
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiology and Medical Imaging
- Renal Services
- Social Work
- Speech Pathology
- TasEquip
- Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service
- Women's and Children's Services
Welcome to the Launceston General Hospital.
- We provide inpatient and ambulatory services to Launceston and surrounding areas.
- We are the largest employer in the region with around 2,000 staff.
- We provide quality services in a culture of respect and trust.
- We always provide high levels of professionalism and a focus on performance and achieving results.
- We focus on teamwork within the hospital and with community providers.
Read more about Launceston General Hospital
- We are an accredited teaching hospital.
- We work with many universities to provide clinical experience in practice for students within different areas of medicine. nursing & midwifery, Allied Health and Pharmacy
- We have a close working partnership with the University of Tasmania.
- We have students from the schools of Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy and Allied Health.
- The students are able to learn skills in a clinical environment.
- We are also a major teaching hospital for postgraduate trainees.
- The students work in specialty medicine, surgery and post-graduate nursing programs.
Receiving care from a medical student
- It is important for students to get as much clinical experience with real patients as they can.
- We encourage you to participate if you are comfortable.
- You have the right to refuse to have a student be part of your care.
Research and innovation at the hospital
- We encourage research and innovation throughout the hospital.
- The Clifford Craig Foundation funds hospital research.
- Learn more about Clifford Craig Foundation.
- The Volunteer Program at Launceston General Hospital provides many extra and complementary services that supplement the care and treatment of patients while in hospital.
- Volunteers add to our quality of health care by helping support patients, their families, the staff, visitors and the community within the hospital.
- Your contribution makes a huge impact on the Tasmanian community, and becoming a volunteer is a fantastic opportunity for you to play an important part in providing vital services to our community. Volunteers are recognisable in our hospital by their red striped shirts.
How to become a volunteer
The volunteer office is on Level 3 near the main entrance. If you are interested in volunteering please email volunteer services officer [email protected].
Address:
274-280 Charles Street
Launceston, 7250
Postal address:
PO Box 1963
Launceston, 7250
Phone: 03 6777 6777
You can identify our staff by their official identification badge.
Key contacts
In an emergency or life threatening situation always call 000.
Feedback, compliments and complaints
- We are happy to receive feedback from you.
- This helps us to improve our services.
- We acknowledge, review and investigate all complaints.
- We will respond by a phone call, email or letter.
How to provide feedback
You can provide a query, comment/suggestion, compliment or complaint through our Quality and Safety Unit
- Phone: 1800 008 001
- Write to: Quality and Patient Safety Service, LGH, PO Box 1963, Launceston, 7250
- Email: [email protected]
- Ask a staff member for a feedback form
- Use the online feedback form.
Your healthcare rights
- The Australian Charter of Health Care Rights outlines your rights as a patient of the hospital.
- This means you deserve the highest possible standard of physical and mental health.
Temporary access information for outpatients
Construction of the antenatal clinic has commenced and is expected to take 10-12 months.
Paediatric outpatients can enter through the door on the right in the main entrance foyer.
Adult and allied health outpatients can access the outpatient department via the main corridor.
See our public health campaigns
If you are at immediate risk or in danger call Tasmania Police on 000.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual Assault is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable, frightened, or threatened. It can occur when a person is forced, tricked, or coerced into sexual behaviour without agreeing to it.
Sexual assault includes inappropriate touching or kissing of a person's body, even through clothes (indecent assault), or having sex with someone without their consent (rape).
Rape typically refers to sexual intercourse with another person without their consent. It involves penetration of a person's vagina, genitalia, anus or mouth by a penis, other body part, or an object.
Sexual assault can also involve exposing another person to sexual behaviour without their consent, such as masturbating in front of them or forcing the person to watch pornography.
It is a crime to use threats or intimidation to force another person to have sexual Intercourse.
It is a crime to have sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 17 or to involve them in any sexual act.
Sexual assault can occur to anyone. All ages, genders, and backgrounds.
What is consent?
Consent means that a person freely agrees to the sexual activity.
Someone does NOT consent if they do not say or do anything to communicate consent.
There are some situations where, even if the person says “yes”, they cannot consent. These include if;
- they under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
- they have a serious mental or intellectual disability which affects their ability to understand what is happening,
- they are forced, threatened, or kept against their will,
- they are coerced,
- they are confused about the act or who the person was.
A person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are under 17, unless the similar age defence applies. This is where two young people have sex or do a sexual act together and they both consent , and
- both are over 15 years old and the age gap between them is not more than 5 years, or
- both are over 12 years old, and the age gap is not more than 3 years. If you have been sexually assaulted it is never your fault.
If you have been sexually assaulted it is never your fault.
More information
Your options following an assault
As a survivor of a recent sexual assault or family violence assault there are various options available to you.
1. Support organisations
You can seek information, advice or counselling from a Sexual Assault or Family Violence Support organisation.
2. Medical examination
You can have a medical examination. This can include assessment and treatment of injuries and provision of emergency contraception and antibiotics for STI if needed.
3. Forensic Medical Examination (FME)
You can also choose to have a Forensic Medical Examination (FME). As well as a medical examination this will involve recording of injuries and collection of biological samples which can be used as evidence. You can have an FME without reporting the assault to the police.
4. Report to the police
You can report the assault to the police for information only (informal) or for investigation (formal). Learn about the difference on our reporting to police page.
5. Don't report to the police
You can choose not to report the assault to the police.
6. Any combination of the above
You can choose several of the above options to support you as a survivor of a recent sexual assault or family violence.
7. To do nothing at all
You can choose not to do anything.
Forensic Medical Examinations (FME)
What is an FME?
Forensic Medical Examinations are a free service provided at Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital and the North West Regional Hospital. All Tasmanian hospitals are able to refer you if you need help. An FME is done to document injuries and to collect evidence that may be used in a court.
FMEs are done by qualified Forensic Examiners, doctors or nurses/midwives who have been trained in the field of forensic evidence gathering. The FME record is kept separate from your medical records and only released with your consent.
Please note
A Forensic Medical Examination cannot confirm or deny whether a sexual assault took place.
What do I need to do?
If you have had a recent sexual assault and are going to have a forensic examination and/or report to the police there are some things you can do to make it more likely that evidence will be collected. If possible:
- Don’t wash or have a shower
- Don’t change your clothes
- Don’t eat, drink or clean your teeth
- Don’t go to the toilet
What happens at an FME?
If you choose to have an FME the Forensic Examiner will meet with you to explain what will happen during the examination. You will be asked to sign a consent form to proceed. Your consent can be withdrawn at any time, it is up to you.
The Forensic Examiner will ask you about the assault and what happened to you in order to guide the examination. They will then check your body for any injuries, and take swabs and samples if necessary. They will explain what they are doing at each step and you may decline any or all parts of the examination at any stage if you wish. You will be offered emergency contraception and STI treatment and follow up if required.
Will the police be involved?
A FME can be done with or without a report to the police. The samples will be stored until you decide whether you would like to proceed with a report. They will not be processed or released to the police without your consent.
Is there a time limit?
The sooner an FME is done, the more likely it is that evidence will be collected. Ideally an FME should be done within 24 hours of the assault. However, examinations can be done up to 7 days after the assault in some cases.
Even if you are unsure whether to proceed with a report to the police, having the FME done will give you more options in the future.
How do I get an FME?
If you choose to have an FME you can arrange one by contacting either the Emergency Department at any hospital, Tasmania Police, or one of the Crisis Support Organisations listed on our where to find support page.
More information
Common symptoms and reactions
- It is normal to feel anxious, trembling or shaking, rapid breathing, or experience stomach tightening, churning or nausea. Please contact a crisis support service for counselling and follow up.
- You may notice some bruising or mild discomfort. Apply ice to the sore areas for 20 minutes at a time, 4 times a day if needed for up to 2 days. Use of over the counter pain medication may also be helpful.
- If you notice new bruising or injury you should follow up with the hospital or your doctor. It is also recommended that you contact the forensic service or police and arrange further examination or photographs if needed.
Dangerous symptoms and reactions to watch for
If you have been strangled or choked there are some important signs you should watch for over the next few days.
Symptoms of internal injuries may appear quickly or develop over a few days after the assault. Internal injuries can be serious and even fatal.
Make sure someone you trust stays with you for the next 24-72 hours.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should call 000 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood
- Increasing or severe headache, not relieved by pain medication
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, changes to your voice
- Swelling to your throat, neck or tongue, or increasing pain
- Difficulty swallowing or a lump in throat, muscle spasm in throat or neck
- Loss of consciousness or ‘passing out’, confusion, dizziness or light-headedness, seizures, ringing in the ears
- Drooping eyelid or sudden vision problems, one pupil larger than the other
- Difficulty walking, right or left sided weakness, numbness or tingling, loss of balance
- Vomiting up blood, or persistent vomiting
- Prolonged nose bleed (greater than 10 minutes)
- Loss of control of bladder or bowel
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Behavioural changes or memory loss
If you are pregnant, report the strangulation and any of the following symptoms to your doctor/antenatal clinic immediately.
- Decreased baby movements
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding, or fluid loss
- Stomach pain
- Contractions
More information
Please note
This information is provided as a guideline only. Timeline and process may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Informal
An informal police report is for information only and no investigation is conducted. Your statement and the information provided is recorded and filed but not acted on.
Notifications can be made to relevant agencies, if needed, based on risk (for example, Child Safety, Work with Vulnerable Persons etc.)
A referral can be made to a Sexual Assault Support Service based on your location. This cannot be made without your consent.
Formal
A formal report will allow police to conduct an investigation.
The investigation will include:
- A vulnerable witness interview (or a Statutory Declaration in the presence of a witness intermediary for children or adults with communication needs).
- A Forensic Medical Examination (if appropriate) with support provided by a Sexual Assault Support Service based on your location. This cannot be done without your consent.
- Collection of exhibits (such as physical exhibits, CCTV, electronic evidence etc.)
- Completion and submission of medical release forms (if relevant)
- Statutory Declarations provided by witnesses
- Identification/interview of the alleged offender
- Other enquiries as necessary/relevant
Evidence threshold
If the evidence threshold is met:
- The offender is charged. The offender may be bailed or detained for court
- A request will be made for bail conditions to protect the reporting person (where necessary)
If the evidence threshold is NOT met:
- A Restraint Order/Family Violence Order may be applied for to protect the reporting person (where necessary)
- The matter will be reviewed by the Detective Inspector
- If further independent review is required the matter will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution to recommend how to proceed
More information
Publications and resources
If you are at immediate risk or in danger call Tasmania Police on 000.
Learn more about Sexual Assault and Family Violence Forensic Services

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Learn more about Sexual Assault and Family Violence Forensic Services
