The AMA report said the nation's public hospitals were operating near full capacity, meaning that stopgap practices such as using beds in hospital corridors were seen as routine. It said extra beds were needed to allow hospitals to operate at the international standard of 85 per cent occupancy, easing pressure on the workforce and ensuring more flexibility for emergencies.

Association state president Chris Middleton said the report was concerning for Tasmania.

"We have seen a further decline in emergency department performance in 2007-08," Dr Middleton said.

"Only 42 per cent of urgent patients were seen in recommended time compared with 62 per cent the previous year."

Health Minister Lara Giddings said the AMA identified pressures from the same data that informed state Health Department decision- making.

"What I really am pleased about though with the AMA's report is that they're not just identifying the problems, they're also looking at the solutions, and this is what the whole national reform agenda that we've had the Prime Minister in town for is all about," Ms Giddings said.

Dr Middleton said the percentage of elective surgery patients seen in the recommended 90 days dropped by 5 per cent from 54 per cent in 2006-07.

"On the brighter side, elective surgery waiting times were shorter, the median waiting time being 36 days down from 38 in 2006-07," Dr Middleton said.

"In 2009 there has been an increased number of presentations, and admissions and staff in these public hospitals have been under enormous pressure. They need to be supported by the State Government with further investment in extra hospital beds and resources."

Although there were extra medical graduates coming through the education system, the Government was not responding with internships, pre-vocational training positions or infrastructure, Dr Middleton said.

"Hospital bed numbers must increase and emergency departments must be given the resources to cope with the additional demand," he said.