Statement from AMA Tasmania President Dr Helen McArdle

“AMA Tasmania welcomes the decision to change the operating hours of the Mersey Emergency Department to business hours only from next week, as we continue to face the pressures brought on by not being able to access locums during COVID-19.

“AMA Tasmania wrote to the Government yesterday calling for immediate action as Doctors in the North West are at breaking point trying to keep both Emergency Departments open.

“Doctors are going beyond the call of duty covering as many extra rosters as possible, but in the end, something had to give.

“Hospitals risked losing doctors from burnout and ED services at both Mersey and Burnie risked being unsafe, without a change in hours.

“It is just not possible to keep staffing all the rosters without access to locums or more staff.

“We also welcome the commitment to expand permanent staffing to the EDs, which will enable services to return to normal in time.

“The challenge will now be to recruit to the new positions as soon as possible.” >>>ENDS