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The communities of Southern and Northern Tasmania are being urged to consider the right treatment option for their needs and reconsider attending the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department if it is not an emergency.
Both hospitals and Ambulance Tasmania are experiencing significant demand for services, while experiencing challenges with staffing due to high rates of unplanned absence, noting that COVID-19, influenza and other seasonal illnesses continue to circulate in the community.
There are also a high number of patients with complex needs awaiting discharge, including a higher than normal number awaiting placement for aged care facilities and patients awaiting National Disability Insurance Scheme assessments, approvals and supports.
The hospitals are closely managing elective surgery activity to maintain access for emergency demand. This includes working with private hospitals to access contracted bed capacity and elective surgery support.
We would like to thank our hardworking and dedicated staff for their commitment to providing high quality health care services to Tasmanians. The community can have confidence that the needs of emergency presentations will be met.
During surge periods like these which tend to occur across our extended winter season, Tasmanians can help us by utilising alternative healthcare options if it is not an emergency.
This includes the new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Your Hobart Doctor at 71 Bathurst St, Hobart, which is open from 4pm-10pm seven days a week, and the Medicare UCC at Launceston Medical Centre at 247 Wellington St, Launceston, which is open from 2pm-8pm seven days a week. These clinics provide bulk-billed healthcare for urgent health issues that do not require a presentation to the Emergency Department.
For less urgent health concerns, Tasmanians can also access after-hours GP services, visit their local pharmacy for advice, or contact Health Direct on 1800 022 222 to speak to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can provide advice on whether people should manage your condition at home, book an appointment with a GP or go to the ED.
We ask Tasmanians for their patience and understanding should they experience longer waiting times for non-urgent presentations to the Emergency Department. We would like to thank those who have used the alternatives to the Emergency Department, and we encourage others to do so.
People requiring emergency medical care should call triple zero (000) or make their way to the nearest ED.
Learn more about non-emergency care options available in Tasmania