A damning study published in the International Emergency Nursing journal has revealed horrific conditions at the Launceston General Hospital Emergency Department.
The research details waiting times of more than 70 hours, overcrowding and patients being treated in rooms not fit for purpose.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said the study's findings were deeply distressing and were another example of the State Government's failure.
"The conditions revealed by this research are simply horrendous," Ms Lovell said.
"There are patients being treated in security rooms, patients waiting outside in the cold, and one incident of a patient being lost altogether.
"Our health workers work incredibly hard, however if they are not given the resources they need then what are they supposed to do?
"While the study is a couple of years old we know that many of these issues remain."
It comes just days after it was revealed that both Launceston General and Royal Hobart Hospitals are struggling to cope.
"This government continues to ignore the needs of those in the public health system.
"Health Minister Sarah Courtney must act before it gets any worse.
"After nearly seven years of Liberal government Tasmania's health system is getting worse not better.
"Action must be taken to ensure better health outcomes for Tasmanians."
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Minister for Health
