New data reveals an increasing number of Tasmanians are stranded in hospitals because the Federal Government has not provided them with appropriate aged care beds.
In October 2025, 101 patients across the State were medically ready for discharge but remained in hospital while awaiting Residential Aged Care placement or NDIS access and supports, up from 96 in September.
Among these, the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) recorded its highest number in over a year, with 25 patients stranded, up from 5 patients in October 2024.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Federal Government's inaction is unacceptable.
"These Tasmanians are ready to leave hospital but cannot be discharged, sometimes for weeks and even months at a time," Minister Archer said.
"They deserve to be recovering at home, in the best interests of their health and wellbeing, but instead, through no fault of their own, the Federal Government has given them nowhere to go.
"Of course, the Tasmanian Government will continue to provide them with high-quality care but the ongoing lack of action from the Federal Government is simply unacceptable.
"The Tasmanian Government has repeatedly called on the Federal Government to deliver on its aged care responsibilities and provide the beds urgently needed to relieve pressure on hospitals and enable these patients to return to supportive care settings in the community."
In October 2025, there were 77 patients statewide who were medically ready for discharge and no longer required hospital care, but were waiting for Residential Aged Care placement, up from 73 patients in September 2025.
This is more than double the 36 patients reported in October 2024.
