A continuing “bed block” is being blamed for elective surgeries being cancelled at the state’s two major hospitals.

The Nursing and Midwifery Federation said there were cancellations at both the Royal Hobart Hospital and the Launceston General Hospital on Tuesday.

Union secretary Neroli Ellis said the move appeared to have been in order to free up beds.

“It is our understanding that doctors have been asked, or surgeons and anaesthetists have been asked, to take annual leave,” said Ms Ellis.

“Obviously, it will mean people will be waiting longer for elective surgery but it will free up some of those vitally-needed beds at the moment due to the pressures of winter,” she said.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said it was an operational question which he would seek advice about from the Tasmanian Health Service.

Situation a ‘positive story’: Ferguson

The Minister said the elective surgery situation was a “positive story”.

“The Tasmanian health system has performed more surgery than in the state’s history,” he said.

He said the elective surgery waiting list was at an all-time low of fewer than 6,000 and waiting times were also significantly reduced.

But Ms Ellis said: “It’s not a positive story when people are waiting unacceptable periods of time for elective surgery”.

“Our hospitals have got huge bed block and huge hours, or days waiting in emergency departments,” she said.

“The bottom line is we haven’t got enough capacity to meet our needs in Tasmania, and that means we need to open more beds.”

A Government spokesperson said there were three cancellations of elective surgeries yesterday at the Royal Hobart Hospital and 26 elective surgeries went ahead.