Launceston General Hospital accreditation results 'commendable'

Mr Davis said the biggest issue facing Tasmanian health was infrastructure, but that hospitals like Launceston General had come a “remarkably long way” in recent years. 

On Tuesday a timeline for LGH’s accreditation was revealed.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson confirmed the hospital had 10 core areas to improve on before September, after passing 199 out of 209 areas.

Mr Davis said the results were commendable. 

“From what I understand, the process is more about dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s for efficient governance, than it is about clinical care,” he said. 

“The fact that LGH has been accredited, with only 10 areas for improvement means that it is doing remarkably well – it is commendable. 

“We don’t know what the areas are, but the hospital has now been given a window to address these issues and I am hopeful this will happen.”

An initial survey of LGH was carried out in late May.

On Tuesday Mr Ferguson said the hospital’s accreditation was not threatened, with none of the outstanding 10 areas reliant on extra funding. 

Mr Davis said it was not fair to blame the current government for funding shortfalls, because they had been occurring for decades. 

“Tasmania hasn’t invested in health infrastructure for a really long time,” he said. 

“So any issues we are seeing today didn’t just happen overnight. 

“I am confident we have good people working in our hospitals.

“What’s important is that they are given the support they need.”