HEALTH Minister Michael Ferguson is again at odds with a team that is central to fixing the state’s health system over the choice of venue to hold their workshops.
Health Services Innovation Tasmania, the $12 million Commonwealth-funded organisation set up to create a clinical redesign of the Tasmanian hospital system, has again hosted workshops in Tarraleah Village in the Central Highlands.
The gathering has occurred despite the Mercury revealing in August last year Mr Ferguson — who at the time labelled the location as “not necessary or practical” — had urged HSI Tas to consider “a more central and conventional” venue.
HSI Tas co-director Craig Quarmby yesterday confirmed four of the five workshops held by the organisation had been hosted at the Central Highlands location.
Concerned health professionals contacted the Mercury yesterday, saying 30 people including specialists were at the venue while the system continues to struggle with demand.
Mr Ferguson, however, was quick to point out reduced numbers of staff had attended the two-day workshops.
A spokesman later told the Mercury 16 people were at Tarraleah yesterday.
“The CEO instructed a number of key staff to withdraw from the meeting to focus on the more immediate needs of our busy public hospitals to get the balance right,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The CEO will talk directly to HSI Tas about choosing a better location for future meetings.”
Dr Quarmby said HSI Tasmania had systematically worked to identify and drive long-term improvements in the way health services are provided for Tasmanians.
“This has involved, in part, a series of workshops in which we bring the focus of various agencies on to challenges within the system, and implement answers through a process called clinical redesign,” he said.
“One of these workshops was planned for this week and, because of recent cases of community concern, it was determined that we should hone in specifically on the issue of patient flow from the emergency department as a means of easing overcrowding.”
Mr Ferguson yesterday supported the work that HSI Tas was doing.
“Clinical redesign can bring significant benefits to health service delivery, therefore the Tasmanian Government is a strong supporter of the program,” he said.
“I am advised that our emergency department rosters have been appropriately staffed at all times during this meeting.”
The Tasmanian Health Service did not provide the Mercury with details of who attended the workshops.
MATT SMITH
State Political Editor
Mercurythemercury.com.au