Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said the new data confirmed what was already known: Tasmania's health and hospital system was struggling to cope.

A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released on Wednesday found Tasmanians were waiting longer for elective surgery in public hospitals than any other state and territory, with 8.7 per cent of Tasmanians waiting more than 365 days for surgery in 2018-19.

Related: Elective surgery wait times continue to grow: report

Ms Lovell said the fact 10 per cent of Tasmanians who presented to EDs were waiting over a day to be admitted was very concerning.

"We know that lengthy wait times in the ED directly contributed to worse outcomes in terms of health outcomes and avoidable deaths," Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell said the state needed to be looking at a complete system reform.

"We can't keep going things the way we used to do them with an older, sicker population," she said.

"While the government continues to point to an increase in demand as being the reason the hospitals are under such extreme pressure - the increase in ED presentations in Tasmania is lower than almost every other state and territory.

"Other states are dealing with a much higher increase in demand in a much more effective way which raises the question - what is Tasmania doing so drastically wrong?"

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the government wanted Tasmanians to be able to get the surgery they need when clinically required.

"We know Tasmanians are waiting too long and that's why we are getting on with the job of opening new beds, delivering partnerships and working through solutions on-site to ensure more Tasmanians can access healthcare services when they need," Ms Courtney said.

"I always want to see Tasmanians getting the best healthcare possible."

Meanwhile, in the state's south a new agreement signed on Wednesday will see Healthscope operate the Hobart Private Hospital for the next 20 years.

The private hospital's ED has been operating 24/7 since April in a bid to reduce pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital by allowing those with private healthcare the choice to attend the private hospital's ED.

The private ED currently sees an average of 19 patients a day and each visitor is out-of-pocket $185.

"This isn't about access for less advantaged or more advantaged Tasmanians. This is about better healthcare access for all Tasmanians," Ms Courtney said.

"The deal we have signed here today will see more emergency beds available in Hobart."

Australian Medical Association Tasmania president Professor Burgess said the signing of the contract brings stability to the Hobart Private, its staff and the services they provide to the Tasmanian people.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and the Health and Community Services Union were contacted for comment.