Second death increases call for action on health system in 'crisis'
Tasmania's health system is in "crisis" after the second death of a patient involving a delayed ambulance this month, Labor and the Greens say.
Two deaths in Tasmania within two weeks, both linked to delayed ambulance responses, have sparked calls for action to address the health system's crisis. In Zeehan on Saturday, a man died after waiting 78 minutes for an ambulance due to the local station being unstaffed from unfilled leave. This follows a tragic incident in Hobart two weeks prior, where a man also lost his life after a 25-minute response delay after two repeated emergency calls.
The Greens and Labor are emphasizing that these incidents highlight the system's broken state, with health professionals warning for too long that lives are being lost. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has launched investigations into both deaths to identify improvements and prevent future occurrences. Health Department secretary Dale Webster noted that about 11% of paramedic shifts have been unfilled since July, a challenge amplified by the region's remoteness.
The government is facing pressure not to proceed with proposed budget cuts for health, with Labor leader Josh Willie urging more resources for regional areas to ensure adequate paramedic staffing.
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