The Health Department has launched an immediate investigation to find out how an elderly patient was left with a maggot-infested wound in a government-run mental health facility.
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The man's family learned about his condition on a Christmas Day visit to Hobart's Roy Fagan Centre.
His daughter found the maggot infestation on his leg after adjusting his socks.
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The man, who lives with dementia, was transferred to the Royal Hobart Hospital after the discovery.
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Wednesday said the state government had requested an immediate investigation by the Health Department into the incident.
"This incident is completely and utterly unacceptable," he said.
Mr Rockliff said there would be a broader independent review of patient care at the Roy Fagan Centre with an initial report to be handed to the government no later than March 31.
He said the review would examine the care of the man before his hospital admission and safety learning reporting systems incidents which identify patient care issues over the past 12 months.
"The care of every patient at the Roy Fagan Centre has been assessed since this event and I am advised no other care issues have been identified," Mr Rockliff said.
Australian Medical Association president Helen McArdle said the body welcomed the independent inquiry.
"We expect that this inquiry will highlight the under-resourcing of mental health services and the geriatric services delivered at the Roy Fagan centre," she said.
"Resourcing is not just about dollars, it is also about being able to access the trained staff required to work with people who are complex and at times violent patients."
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
