ANMF Slams Government for Broken Promises on LGH Upgrades

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch today expressed its extreme disappointment and frustration at the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing failure to follow through on its commitments – this time, regarding critical upgrades to the Launceston General Hospital air conditioning and heating systems.

ANMF Acting-Branch Secretary Phoebe Mansell said In February this year, the Minister for Health committed to upgrading the LGH air conditioning system following alarming reports from ANMF members of patient rooms reaching temperatures of up to 40 degrees during summer.

“The Minister also assured the ANMF that heating requirements would be considered as part of the upgrade,” Ms Mansell said.

“Work was scheduled to commence in April this year. It is now late May, and we are alarmed to report that no work has started.”

Ms Mansell said at a recent consultative meeting, the ANMF was advised that planning has only just commenced, specifically regarding how the building could be decanted to facilitate the upgrades.

“No clear timeline was provided, and no start date confirmed.

“We have grave concerns that the Government continues to overpromise and underdeliver.

“If the Government commits to a solution, it must be followed through with action—not empty words.”

“With patients now facing cold nights on those wards, and no meaningful progress made, it is likely they will also endure another summer of excessive heat as the Government drags its heels on resolving these critical issues.”

Ms Mansell said this is yet another example of the Tasmanian Government making promises to health workers and the community, only to break them when the spotlight fades.

“Nurses, midwives, and patients deserve better than to suffer through extreme temperatures with no resolution in sight.

“The Government’s repeated failure to deliver on its own commitments undermines trust and places further strain on already overworked staff in an overstretched health system.

“We will not accept vague excuses or indefinite delays.

“The Government must take urgent and transparent action to deliver on its promise, provide clear timeframes, and ensure frontline staff and patients are not left waiting another summer.”

The ANMF calls on the Minister to publicly clarify the status of the LGH air conditioning and heating upgrades and commit to a timeline that ensures this vital work is completed before next summer.

-End-

Media contact:
A.Mark Thomas
M&M Communications
0422 006 732