Mercury Response
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian Branch has formally raised these concerns with the Department of Health.
Tasmanian Branch Acting-Secretary Phoebe Mansell said members – nurses and midwives working on the ground – have said critical items like bread, milk, juice, yoghurt, and sandwiches are frequently unavailable, leaving patients without appropriate nutrition.
“Staff have reported patients subsisting on jelly and custard or even ordering UberEats when meals are missed due to fasting or delayed procedures,” Ms Mansell said.
“We’ve identified the following consumables as essential to safe and compassionate care:
- Bottled water
- Sandwiches
- Orange juice
- Icy poles
- Custard”
Ms Mansell said in response to formal correspondence from the ANMF, the Department has stated there has been no reduction in the standard inpatient meal service and that supplementary food processes remain unchanged.
“They have suggested that recent changes were based on clinical recommendations, including dietetic reviews and standardised ordering practices to reduce what they have described as clerical over-ordering and internal misuse of ward stock.
“However, this explanation does not align with what frontline nurses and midwives are experiencing day to day.
“Our members have consistently reported:
- Inability to access basic nutritional items such as sandwiches, juice, and yoghurt—especially outside of regular hours;
- Bottled water being unavailable or restricted, with unclear instructions on alternatives;
- Patients missing meals due to fasting or delayed procedures and being left with only jelly or custard;
- Staff resorting to out-of-pocket purchases or patients relying on food delivery services.
“These aren’t isolated misunderstandings – they are repeated and widespread issues raised by professionals who are trying to uphold their ethical and clinical responsibilities.
“Nurses and midwives are being placed in impossible positions, trying to deliver fundamental care without access to the necessary supplies.
“Regardless of whether ordering protocols have changed formally, the reality is that the current system is failing patients and staff.”
Ms Mansell said there are areas of the hospital where you cannot obtain drinking water out of the taps.
“In these spaces there should be a readily available routine access to bottled water for patients, their visitors and nurses and midwives and all other health professionals.
Finally, the Department has dismissed concerns regarding access to non-consumables, such as incontinence pads and probe covers, on the basis that they fall outside the scope of their recent review.
“Yet these items are still reported as frequently unavailable, further compromising safe care and are surely a basic item that should just simply be within easy access.”
Ms Mansell said the ANMF remains committed to advocating for practical solutions and meaningful consultation.
“Our members know the difference between bureaucratic reassurances and the lived experience of caring for patients without the tools they need.”