Tasmania’s Department of Health has confirmed the Launceston General Hospital is experiencing significant capacity issues due to a surge in patient numbers, according to reporting from Pulse Tasmania.
On Tuesday evening, the department issued a statement urging the public to avoid the hospital’s emergency department unless it is a “genuine emergency”.
Health Secretary Dale Webster said the hospital is dealing with a high number of patients with acute health needs, which is stretching resources and limiting the ability to admit new patients. “Clinical services are being managed at the hospital but capacity is impacted, limiting our ability to admit more patients,” the department’s statement said, as reported by Pulse Tasmania.
Escalation plans have been activated to manage the situation and ensure patient and staff safety.
This is not the first time this month the hospital has been under strain. Just last week, on July 7, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation described the emergency department as “chaotic and unsafe” after it became dangerously overcrowded with more than 70 patients, according to Pulse Tasmania.
For non-emergency health concerns, the Department of Health has directed the community towards alternative services. People are encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse who can provide advice and direct them to the appropriate care.
Other options include visiting a local doctor, pharmacist, or one of the state’s eight Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, including one in Launceston. These clinics are designed for issues that are urgent but not life-threatening.
Anyone experiencing a genuine medical emergency should still call Triple Zero (000) or attend their nearest emergency department.