Tasmanian ambulance shortages in the south as ambos ‘continually flogged’

There was a shortage of ambulances south of Hobart on Friday, a situation so dire, those in the area were warned “don’t get sick”. Details.

Ambulances at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: Chris Kidd

A shortage of staff affected ambulance coverage in parts of southern Tasmania with the health union saying its members are “continually being flogged”.

Ambulance Tasmania acting executive director of operations Garry White said “short notice staff absences” impacted coverage at Kingston and Huonville stations early on Friday.

“As per established procedure once identified, crews were deployed to cover the areas south of Hobart, and Dover-based volunteers were made available to respond if required,” Mr White said.

“AT makes every effort to fill all rostering vacancies, including filling short-term vacancies that arise as a result of sick leave.”

The shortage of paramedics was highlighted by Health and Community Services Union industrial manager Lucas Digney who posted on X, formerly Twitter, that at 7am on Friday there were “no paramedics, south of Hobart, 115km of road plus the bit at the end uncovered at a time when thousands are out and about.

“We need more paramedics, communications officers and more patient transport NOW. Don’t get sick.”

HACSU Industrial Manager Lucas Digney. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Digney said the shortages were not limited to the south with the northwest only served by five of its eight crews.

“On Thursday we had a paramedic make a six-and-a-half-hour round trip from Wynyard to Strahan to see a patient who wasn’t transported,” he said.

“People can’t get into GPs so demand for ambulances is increasing and there is chronic understaffing.

“Our members are continually being flogged.

“They’re working untold amounts of overtime and shift after shift, after shift, goes unfilled.”

Mr Digney and Labor health spokesperson Anita Dow also highlighted ambulance ramping at the Launceston General Hospital including Thursday night when eight ambulances were ramped.

Ms Dow said the government’s own report highlighted the need to immediately employ 126 paramedics.

“For an ambulance service timeliness is of the utmost importance and when it comes to ambulance services it is a matter of life and death,” she said.

Tasmanian Labor health spokeswoman Anita Dow calling for an independent review into the performance of Launceston General Hospital's emergency department. Picture: Alex Treacy

Mr White said AT had well-established contingency plans in place to manage staff absences and “ensure the emergency care needs of the community are met, including during rare periods of short notice absence”.

“Where areas of the state have limited paramedic coverage due to increased case load or staff vacancies, resources are moved to ensure the community’s needs are met,” he said.

“AT is currently finalising a recruitment campaign and will shortly commence recruiting to our graduate paramedic campaign.”

Government Minister Nic Street said the government provided a third of its budget to the health system.

He urged Labor to contact its federal counterparts to talk to them about the availability of GPs and pressure on emergency departments.