Seasonal demand and a growing number of patients presenting with complex needs has the Launceston General Hospital running at capacity.
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The hospital has triggered the highest point of its escalation policy in recognition of the significant pressure on the facility.
Ward 4D, opened to deal with increasing demand at the LGH and staffed to care for 12 patients, has 15 beds filled.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Neroli Ellis said 15 patients in the LGH emergency department were waiting to be admitted to a ward on Thursday.
“Overflow patients are now being admitted to the Day Procedure Unit, which has been opened as an overnight ward to cope with the huge demands,” Mrs Ellis said. Australian Medical Association state president Stuart Day said the LGH’s intensive care unit reached capacity at the weekend after North West Regional Hospital patients were sent North due to a lack of doctors.
It is understood a locum secured for the NWRH ICU left their contract.
“Things are back to normal for the ICU: busy but with wriggle room,” Dr Day said.
The Royal Hobart Hospital postponed some elective surgeries this week to free up beds needed to deal with an increase in flu presentations, but Dr Day said it was business as usual for elective surgery patients at the LGH.
“Currently the elective surgery is proceeding as normal at the LGH - thus the bed status is full as always, but not any different to the normal,” he said.
