Tasmanian health system struggling because of funding shortfall, parliamentary report finds

The Tasmanian health system is underfunded and struggling under high demand with demoralised staff, and patients were waiting too long for care, a parliamentary report has found.

THE Tasmanian health system is underfunded and struggling under high demand with demoralised staff, and patients were waiting too long for care, a parliamentary report has found.

The Legislative Council Sub-Committee on Acute Health Services in Tasmania handed down its second interim report yesterday.

Based on submissions and evidence from peak health bodies and independent experts, the report painted a dire picture of the state’s health system.

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“The Tasmanian Health Service is facing increasing demand for acute health services and is currently unable to efficiently or effectively meet this demand,” the report said.

“Hospital overcrowding has become the norm. This is evidenced through constant access/bed block, ambulance ramping, high inpatient occupancy and delays to discharge, that all contribute to increased rates of morbidity and mortality.

“Hospital overcrowding must be considered a patient safety and quality of care matter, and managed accordingly.”

MLCs Kerry Finch, left, Rob Valentine and Ruth Forrest at a press conference on Parliament Lawns in Hobart. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

The report recommended hospital overcrowding and access block be recognised and treated as a patient safety issue and that the underlying budget shortfall be addressed to avoid the need for significant funding top-ups.

Committee member Rob Valentine said the committee was unable to produce a final report until Health Minister Michael Ferguson had provided more information to answer questions, plus a key KPMG report he is refusing to release.

“We will continue to pursue information from the minister. There is other information that the minister has said he is happy to provide so we are happy we’re pursuing that information.”

Mr Ferguson said the Government was working to fix the issues in the health system.

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“Since the inquiry commenced, the Government has added an additional investment of $757 million to health over six years, to open nearly 300 more beds, employ hundreds of extra frontline staff and increase services across the state.

“Tasmania, like the rest of Australia, is experiencing increased demand and we know there is pressure on our health system right now.

“The so called “Interim Report number two” confirms only that no simple solutions exist.

“We are not focused on anything other than getting on with the job of improving the health system without distraction, as the community would rightly expect us to.”

MLC Rob Valentine in action during the Sub-Committee Inquiry into Acute Health Services in Tasmania. Picture: RICHARD JUPE