Mr Wilkie described the state Labor and Liberal parties as "gutless" for refusing to even consider getting rid of one of the state's four hospitals.

"It's financially unsustainable to be operating four for such a small population - it's not rocket science," Mr Wilkie said.

"I'm very concerned that the government's response has just been simplistic cuts to health services when we need to fundamentally restructure our public health system."

Mr Wilkie would not nominate which hospital, saying that was a decision for health professionals.

However, he said the Royal Hobart Hospital was the only one in the South, compared with three in the North.

"It would appear the Launceston General Hospital would be safe," he said.

He also believes only one administration zone is required, not the three Tasmanian Health Organisations proposed as part of health reforms.

State Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne said the government had looked at where services were provided on a statewide basis as part of the Tasmanian Health Plan.

"Through that process, we attempted to change the role of the Mersey Community Hospital but the federal Liberal government of the day intervened.

"The government has no plans to close any of our hospitals, in fact we continue to invest in modernising our hospitals," she said.

Liberal health spokesman Jeremy Rockliff said he did not agree with Mr Wilkie and would not support closing any hospitals.

Mr Wilkie said he expected the response. "It's too difficult a proposition for them politically so they're not going to go there," he said.

Hobart-based health analyst Martyn Goddard said closing a hospital would not solve the system's problems.

"Shutting down the Mersey Hospital would not save enough money to do more than partly offset the cuts for one year," he said.

[LOGOa945] HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you agree with Mr Wilkie?

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