Tasmania's health system is not up to scratch, says the state government, which wants urgent answers about a number of shortcomings as it considers an overhaul of hospital emergency departments.
Following a number of recent incidents, including the case of a seriously injured 91-year-old veteran who had to wait 48 hours for surgery at Launceston General Hospital, Health Minister Michael Ferguson on Wednesday said the system's response has not been good enough and he wanted a written explanation within 24 hours.
"While some will undoubtedly say that the solution is more money, at this point in time what we need is to see a higher level of compliance with existing rules and the leadership to drive it," Mr Ferguson said, adding that he will consider disrupting the "old ways" of emergency rooms if necessary.
