Public Sector Updates – North

Launceston General Hospital (LGH)

Northern Coronary Care Unit (NCCU)

The ANMF is seeking your feedback on the proposed staffing model for the NCCU as outlined in the phase 2 change proposal and subsequent benchmarking discussions. View the latest update 

Emergency Department (ED)

Last week the ANMF received urgent advice from members regarding extreme and sustained capacity pressures in the LGH ED.

The ANMF attended and found:  

• Two simultaneous Code Black events and one Code Grey. 

• 6 nurses short on AM shift. 

• Transfer of Care (ToC) delays exceeding two hours. 

• No resuscitation bays had been available for most of the morning. 

• ED Airlock utilised to create an additional bed space. 

• More than 10 patients waiting in the waiting room for an ED bed. 

• 18 patients in the ED awaiting transfer to inpatient wards. 

• Multiple mental health patients requiring security specials. 

Members also continue to raise concerns regarding punitive approaches to the Transfer of Care (ToC) delays — despite these being the result of systemic failure, not individual or team performance. 

This situation is not isolated, with critical capacity alerts, now occurring on an almost daily basis. LGH ED continues to operate under extreme pressure, with significant impacts on staff wellbeing, patient safety, and the ability to deliver timely care. 

Ward 6D

The ANMF has met with members on Ward 6D and received varying feedback on what changes would best support the ward and its staff.
 
The ANMF is aware of escalating issues on Ward 6D, particularly around:  

• Increasing patient aggression. 

• Risks to staff and patient safety, and, 

• Concerns about current staffing, resources, and support. 

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

The ANMF has met with members working in the ICU at the LGH to discuss the current Step 2 Grievance. View the latest update 

Wombat Ward Workload

The ANMF recently met with members on Wombat Ward at the LGH to discuss a range of concerns. Key issues raised included persistent short staffing, increasing acuity, and challenges associated with social and mental health admissions. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your ANMF organiser Kristy Free via email at Kristy.Free@anmftas.org.au  

Kings Meadows Community Health Centre (KMCHC)

The ANMF has received a change proposal from the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) outlining plans to temporarily relocate several services currently operating out of the Joan Marshall Building at the KMCHC. View the latest update 

Updates are correct as of 6 August 2025.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary