In another massive boost for frontline health services, the Tasmanian Government has finalised the recruitment of an additional 44 doctors and 25 nurses at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Emergency Department.
This commitment marks the next 100 days of the Tasmanian Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, and demonstrates that our recruitment blitz is working, with Tasmanians to benefit as a result.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Guy Barnett, said the new doctors and nurses join the nearly-500 new healthcare workers employed by the Department of Health since late April, including 138 new nurses.
"Our $88 million election commitment to recruit more doctors, nurses, allied health and support staff will significantly boost staffing resources in the recently expanded Emergency Department.
"This is a fantastic result and is more proof that our biggest-ever healthcare recruitment blitz is delivering positive results for our health system," the Minister said.
"We are committed to recruiting even more, in line with our strong commitment to boost frontline services.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about taking more action right now on issues affecting Tasmanians, like health, and I am delighted to welcome so many new frontline health workers to our ranks.
"This significant staffing boost will help to ensure more Tasmanians get timely access to emergency health treatment if and when they need it – and importantly, provides the ED with the skilled workforce it needs for the new and expanded facilities that opened last year."
The first stage of the Emergency Department expansion was completed in 2023, with the modern facilities increasing the department's maximum capacity to 82 treatment points, including a $10 million 28-bed short stay unit.
The second stage of the Emergency Department expansion is underway and will further increase capacity to meet the ever-growing demand for emergency care.
