A damning series of reports released today by the Productivity Commission paints a bleak picture of Tasmania's health system.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said it was difficult to single out any one aspect of the Commission's report, as the findings identified widespread issues.
"The Commission has identified what Tasmanians already know: people are waiting too long to be seen in emergency departments; people are waiting too long for important surgery; and health outcomes are poorer.
"There's been an increase in demand for the ambulance service, which has not been matched by an increase in staff and resources. That's putting continued pressure on frontline staff and putting patient safety at risk.
"But the problems aren't restricted to emergency care. The Commission's report said a higher per cent of people than anywhere else in the country put off going to the doctor, and buying prescriptions, because they can't afford to."
Ms Lovell said Sarah Courtney and Peter Gutwein have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and put the health of Tasmanians above partisan politics.
"While it is refreshing to hear the Premier acknowledge that too many Tasmanians have been left behind by his government, we are yet to see any plan to deliver the health services Tasmanians so desperately need.
"We see daily the impact of chronic underinvestment in the health and hospital system.
"Labor reiterates Rebecca White's appeal to the Premier for bipartisan cooperation to resolve the health crisis."
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Health Minister
