Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) President Dr Simon Judkins said that it was promising to see progress to address overcrowding and patient flow issues.
“We support efforts to move stable patients out of acute beds and out of the Emergency Department and this use of the Over Capacity Protocol is a step in the right direction to addressing some of the chronic issues prevalent at the Royal Hobart Hospital.”
“ACEM welcomes changes in practice that will allow better access for patients who are currently waiting for long periods of time to access care. We recognise that change can create anxiety, but properly implemented, this is a safe and effective measure to improve patient flow and access through the ED.”
Chair of the ACEM Tasmanian Faculty Dr Brian Doyle said that recent investment into the hospital system in Tasmania and ongoing reform is critical to ensuring the highest standards of care.
“ACEM is committed to working with the Tasmanian Government on mitigating and addressing existing demand pressures and any modern hospital should always look at ways to improve patient access and flow.”
“Continuing to build capacity into the overall hospital system, alongside improvements in practice are critical factors to providing proper care for the increased number of people requiring urgent emergency care,” Dr Doyle said.
ACEM has been outspoken on the need for urgent reform in the Tasmanian Health system and has been actively engaged in a range of activities to ensure health system reform benefits Tasmanian patients.
Background
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards.
Media contact
Fin Bird
ACEM Communications
0439 388 251 [email protected]