Northern Area Health Service chief executive John Kirwan said the hospital had vacancies for about eight full-time physiotherapists and was actively trying to recruit people to fill the positions.

The Health and Community Services Union described the situation as a ``physio crisis''.

HACSU acting state secretary Tim Jacobson said a memo to be circulated to clinical areas said only 3.5 physiotherapists were available to service the entire hospital, meaning most priority two and three cases faced long waits for assessment or treatment.

He said some would not be seen at all, according to the memo.

Mr Jacobson suspected the need to get permission from Hobart bureaucrats to fill vacancies was behind the shortage.

``To delay filling critical positions such as these shows a clear lack of strategy and callous disregard for patient care,'' he said.

Mr Kirwan said that was not the case and the positions had been advertised.

He said it was the time of year when many health professionals moved jobs and recent resignations were for family or lifestyle reasons.

This year the LGH, the University of Tasmania and the University of South Australia have entered a partnership agreement with the aim of encouraging more Tasmanians to consider physiotherapy as a career.

``The unique arrangement gives Tasmanian students the opportunity to complete work placement at the LGH, with the aim of encouraging them to return on graduation,'' Mr Kirwan said.

HACSU is seeking an urgent meeting with management to discuss the matter.

Health Minister Michelle O'Byrne attacked the union for failing to check its facts before going to the media.

``The union's claims that `Hobart-based bureaucrats' were delaying the filling of physiotherapist positions at the LGH are wrong,'' she said.

``There is no block on this process due to vacancy control or the need for approval from Hobart.''