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Diabolical ED data shows why we can’t afford $700 million cuts to health

By Sarah Lovell MLC - Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing

12 September 2026

Diabolical ED data shows why we can’t afford $700 million cuts to health

 

Yet another round of diabolical emergency department data has made it clear that Tasmanians can’t afford the $700 million worth of cuts Eric Abetz is making to the health system.

 

On average over the past week, less than 22 per cent of patients were seen within clinically recommended time frames at the Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department.

 

For Category 3 patients with potentially life-threatening presentations, just 14 per cent were seen on time on average over the week.

 

The situation wasn’t much better in the north, with just 29 per cent of patients being seen on time at the Launceston General Hospital. Less than 20 per cent of potentially life-threatening patients were seen within time.

 

Being able to access timely health care in Tasmania’s hospitals shouldn’t be too much to ask for.

 

Unfortunately, after 13 years of the Liberals the system is at breaking point despite the outstanding efforts of our skilled and dedicated healthcare workers.

 

Tasmanians are already waiting far too long, and with Eric Abetz cutting $700 million from the health system things are only going to get worse.

 

 

 

Percentage of emergency department patients in each triage category whose medical assessment and treatment commenced within the clinically recommended time:

 

 

 

 

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Authorised by G Luckman, Australian Labor Party, L2/63 Salamanca Pl, Hobart TAS 7000