But Mr Ferguson said the $230,000 consultancy was commissioned as part of a deal for an extra $23 million in Commonwealth elective surgery funding, though it may be used as a reference for delivery of state-funded services.

He said the funding agreement, announced in August, included a condition that "alternative purchasing options will be required, which may include cost-effective targeted strategies involving the private sector either in Tasmania or on the mainland".

"One of the reasons identified for long elective surgery waiting lists in Tasmania is that for many services patients have been required to wait for treatment in their own region," Mr Ferguson said.

"If we can get people into surgery quicker and more cost effectively then that is what we will do."

Mr Ferguson said patients on public waiting lists would not pay extra if treated in a private hospital, and the Commonwealth had provided funds for transport and accommodation.

Ms Armitage said that regardless of where the funding came from, it should go to Tasmania's public hospitals.

She said she didn't think it right that the Launceston General Hospital had stopped recruiting staff and may not be able to open all of its new surgical theatres, while the government looked at "flying or driving" patients elsewhere.

"It's far better to spend our money employing our own staff and to have the theatres up and running," Ms Armitage said.