Tasmanians already endure the longest emergency department waits in the country. The state’s healthcare system is facing unprecedented pressure, marked by widespread access block and an overburdened, under-resourced workforce. With an ageing population and increasing levels of patient complexity, addressing and overcoming these challenges is becoming more crucial than ever before.
ACEM Tasmania Chair Dr Juan Carlos Ascencio-Lane said, “Every year, the number of Tasmanians presenting to emergency departments is growing. It is clear that the current condition of the health system is a crucial issue in our state and real change is needed.”
In the lead-up to last year’s election, ACEM developed and called for practical, evidence-based solutions, including a $2 million investment to upskill 50 additional regional doctors in emergency care; a statewide increase in inpatient hospital beds; and a major boost to inpatient allied health staffing to enable seven-day services.
These priorities remain critical today. ACEM welcomes support from the Tasmanian Greens for each of these measures and acknowledges commitments made by the Liberals and Labor to improve access to primary care. However, the College cautions that Urgent Care Centres are not a substitute for meaningful solutions to emergency department pressures, and that the root causes of access block must be urgently addressed.
“Tasmania’s emergency doctors are right there on the frontlines every day, we see the effects of underinvestment on patients and we know what works on the ground,” Dr Ascencio-Lane said.
“That means upskilling regional doctors, staffing more beds and increasing the availability of allied health support workers across our state.
“Very simply, people are missing out on vital emergency health care. If we don't grow the health workforce, Tasmanians will continue to fall through the cracks in our overstretched system.
“Our emergency departments have been left in a state of emergency. We need to get back to basics. We’re ready to work with all parties to create a sustainable and solution-focused plan to ensure all Tasmanians receive the health care they need and deserve.”
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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