Around 17 nurses, a junior doctor and a handful of allied health employees would be needed to man the 12 beds.

Tasmanian Health Service executive officer David Alcorn said the hospital would use pool staff until the positions could be filled. 

Staff may be called upon to do overtime but Mr Alcorn said the hospital will try to avoid giving nurses double shifts.

The Examiner previously reported nine of 11 emergency consultants announced they would resign, retire or reduce their hours in the last month because of a lack of resources and a proposed pay decrease. 

Mr Ferguson said reopening the ward was part of a long-term solution for the LGH.

“What we don’t want to do is just reopen beds, fill them and be back to where we were last week,” he said. 

An additional three paramedics for Launceston, 12 for the north-west and three in the southern region have also been funded. 

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Neroli Ellis said reopening the acute medical beds on Ward 4D was a welcomed announcement. 

“When these beds were opened for a three month period earlier this year, there was a noticeable improvement and we will lobby the Minister to ensure these beds are open for the long term, not just a reaction to a crisis situation,” Ms Ellis said. 

“LGH needs to have long term sustainable funding to meet the demands of the community.”

ANMF will meet with the chief executive on Monday and will report back to members early next week.

Ward 4D has been occupied by the Allied Health Centre while facilities on level two were upgraded. 

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was pleased the Health Minister opened the additional beds as it would allow staff to continue to provide an excellent standard of health care.