Labor Senator Helen Polley says it's time the federal government intervened to find real solutions to address emergency wait times at Launceston General Hospital.
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It comes after calls for a complete overhaul of the state's health system from the Australian Medical Association's Tasmania branch.
The Australasian College of Emergency Medicine has also urged the Tasmanian government to implement a statewide strategy to ensure patient safety at all Tasmanian emergency departments, after survey data revealed the LGH was the country's worst performing hospital for patient access block.
Senator Polley said the findings showed how "out of control" Tasmanian hospitals had become.
"Patients are suffering needlessly, and it will become increasingly difficult to retain and recruit doctors and nurses while access to treatment is impaired," she said.
Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer said the issues facing the LGH were well understood by herself and federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Mr Hunt did not visit the hospital during a state visit last month, but did attend a health forum.
Ms Archer said she was looking to shift the focus to solutions.
"I was at the hospital today [Tuesday] and talked with some staff who are feeling incredibly let down by the relentless negative reporting from both the media and some politicians who are unwilling to look past dramatic headlines to uncover some of the great work performed day in and day out by dedicated, passionate staff," she said.
"The staff aren't looking for accolades, but perhaps some positive acknowledgement of the work that they do would be welcome."
Meanwhile, Tasmania's Health Minister Sarah Courtney is due to meet with ACEM representatives and Health Department secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks on Friday.
Ms Courtney said she was engaging closely with leaders at the LGH, who are "currently working through a range of options to improve patient flow".
"What is crucial is that any solutions or initiatives adapted for the LGH recognise the unique challenges faced by the hospital, and are appropriate for the local clinical context," she said.
The reported failings of the state's two major hospitals dominated Question Time on Tuesday, where Ms Courtney confirmed escalation levels at the LGH were being audited.
It comes after unions and Labor renewed calls for the state government to urgently review the hospital's escalation policy to include a fourth level.
The Royal Hobart Hospital revised its escalation protocol to include a fourth level in 2017, in response to unprecedented demand - including increased rates of code yellows.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
