Technical error impacts Tasmanian COVID-19 tests requested by GPs

A technical error has meant some COVID test referrals made by Tasmanian GPs may not have been properly processed.

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A TECHNICAL error has meant some COVID tests requested by Tasmanian GPs were not processed.

State Health Commander Katherine Morgan-Wicks said on Saturday any Tasmanian referred for a COVID test by their GP in the past few days, and has yet to receive further contact, should contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

“A technical error has affected the GP referral system for the Tasmanian Department of Health coronavirus testing clinics, and referrals made between Thursday August 20 and yesterday [August 21] have not been properly processed, and test bookings may not have been made for some patients within the normal time frames,” she said.

“The Department has also notified GPs and requested that they re-process any referrals that may have been affected.”

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said it was concerning the testing referrals were delayed, but understood technical issues could occur.

“What is important now is that the Department ensures each person affected by the delay is followed up individually, and their tests are scheduled as a priority,” she said.

“These people are isolating and putting their lives on hold to do the right thing while waiting.

“We know this is inconvenient for many, and every effort must be made to ensure they are supported until this matter is resolved.”

Referrals to Department of Health testing clinics were the only GP referrals affected.

“The Department sincerely apologises to any patients who have been affected by this issue, which has now been resolved,” Ms Morgan-Wicks said.

As of August 20, the total number of tests completed in Tasmania was 81,424.

The total number of cases recorded in Tasmania remains at 228.

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