Rare transparency from Government confirms crisis

• Royal Hobart Hospital update welcome
• Report highlights the crisis at the hospital
• Staff under enormous pressure

The Hodgman Government’s newfound transparency when it comes to the hospital system is welcome but overdue.

Labor Leader Rebecca White said there appears to be a distinct change of policy from the Government.

“The update relating to the Royal Hobart Hospital this afternoon comes as a result of enormous pressure on the Health Minister to be more transparent,” Ms White said.

“The update is welcome but illustrates a hospital in crisis.

“Given today is just the second day of winter, it’s unlikely the enormous pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital will be relieved any time soon.

“Will the Minister commit to regular updates relating to the escalation level in place in Tasmania’s hospitals?

“Why are we only now seeing the Minister take a more transparent approach to running our health system?

“The email update from the Director or Clinical Operations is a window into a hospital in crisis on a daily basis.

“Senior staff have been unsuccessfully trying to call “code yellow” responses from hospital management.

“A more transparent approach to communication is welcome but unfortunately won’t ease the pressure on clinical staff.”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader