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Man’s death in chair at Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department to be investigated

An internal investigation has been launched after a man died in a waiting room chair at the Royal Hobart Hospital — a tragic incident unions said followed a horror week for the facility.

Ambulances parked outside the emergency ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL
Ambulances parked outside the emergency ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

An internal investigation has been launched after a man died in a waiting room chair at the Royal Hobart Hospital — a tragic incident unions said followed a horror week for the facility.

It’s understood the man was waiting several hours in the RHH emergency department when he died of an apparent cardiac arrest.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

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Tasmanian Health Service southern executive operations director Susan Gannon wrote to staff on Friday encouraging those affected by the man’s death to use the THS employee assistance program.

“As most of you would be aware, last night was an extremely difficult time for our hospital, particularly our emergency department staff,” Ms Gannon said.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson tours the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment. Picture: RICHARD JUPE
Health Minister Michael Ferguson tours the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“I want to commend you all for your ongoing dedication and professionalism.

“We are all aware of the demand pressures we are currently experiencing, and your commitment is sincerely appreciated.”

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A THS spokesman said: “A death of a patient has been referred to the Coroner and is also subject to an internal investigation.

“The Tasmanian Health Service extends its sincere sympathies to the patient’s family and loved ones.”

Unions and RHH staff fear flu season could be “catastrophic” for the stretched facility.

Health and Community Services Union assistant secretary Robbie Moore today described staff morale as “at an absolute low”.

“If there’s a flu outbreak it’ll be catastrophic,” Mr Moore said.

“The fact is we’ve got an ageing community and we need significant investment to keep up with increasing demand and [Health Minister Michael Ferguson] needs to stop ignoring it.”

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation executive director Andrew Brakey echoed concerns about flu season: “[Nurses are] looking to the government to put an appropriate winter bed strategy in place and fund the resources required to get through winter.”

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said Labor had been contacted by staff about the “particularly bad week” at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“What’s going to happen if we have a bad flu season or some other kind of circumstance that puts pressure on the hospital system,” she said.

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/mans-death-in-chair-at-royal-hobart-hospital-emergency-department-to-be-investigated/news-story/f417fc375eeda3e9dc2bafcaa824f99c