Tasmania's Liberal government has slammed opposition claims of a "beds crisis" at the Royal Hobart Hospital, rejecting calls for a parliamentary inquiry.
Labor leader and opposition health spokeswoman Rebecca White on Monday said bed shortages have spanned 18 months while the government fails to take action and a parliamentary inquiry should investigate the matter.
"There is a high level of anxiety among staff because patients are having to wait far too long to be admitted to a bed," she said.
But Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the administration is making progress addressing pressures at the hospital.
"Earlier this month the government announced 27 new beds in the south to assist with patient flow issues, including at the Royal and a total of 50 beds across the state," Mr Ferguson said.
The minister also cited a decrease in the elective surgery waiting list as the hospital undergoes a $689 million redevelopment.
"Rebecca White's call for an inquiry into Royal Hobart Hospital beds makes it clear she still has no solutions and no policies of her own on health," Mr Ferguson added.
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