Disturbing reports of the pressures faced by paramedics on the North West Coast require immediate action from the government.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said paramedics are facing burnout as reduced operating hours at the Mersey Community Hospital's emergency department increase pressure on the workforce, and broader under-resourcing results in skyrocketing overtime.
"Paramedics have already borne the brunt of the impacts of COVID-19, and they deserve more support.
"These are emergency service workers providing an essential, often live-saving support to Tasmanians at times of personal crisis. They work in high-pressure situations, and need adequate rest and recovery to perform at their best and maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
"Further pressure is being placed on paramedics because of the reduction in ED hours at the Mersey - with longer callouts due to transporting patients further, and long waits on the ramp at Emergency Departments because of increased demand at other hospitals.
"This is putting staff, and patients, at risk. The government needs to invest in additional resources and support to help paramedics to cope with the increased demand.
"They promised more paramedics at the start of the pandemic - where are they? The government claims to have filled some of those positions, but this hasn't translated into more boots on the ground.
"Sarah Courtney is yet to outline the government's long-term plan to attract staff and restore full services at the Mersey's ED as promised. Health workers and the broader community deserve certainty.
"We can't let our paramedics become the sacrifice for the government's inability to safely staff their health system."
Sarah Lovell
Shadow Minister for Health
