Tasmanian Labor has seized on reports of a bed shortage in the Royal Hobart Hospital's (RHH) psychiatric ward, saying it is proof the state's health system is in crisis.
Health unions have reported that 11 psychiatric patients have been left languishing in the Royal Hobart's emergency department (ED) due to the bed shortage, known as bed block.
One psychiatric patient is reported to have been waiting in ED for more than four days.
A spokesman for the Tasmanian Health Service (THS) confirmed the RHH is "experiencing a peak in demand for its services" and "in particular, has seen an increase in psychiatric presentations".
The spokesman said some patients had been transferred to the psychiatric ward, and the rest would follow.
"Psychiatric patients waiting in the ED for transfer to a ward are always under the care of a psychiatrist [and] specialised psychiatric nurses, and accommodated in a private cubicle, where they receive constant care," the spokesman said.
A recent Tasmanian Upper House inquiry heard evidence that a man took his own life in the RHH's toilet after waiting in ED for hours.
Last year, the coroner determined the suicide of a man referred to as "Mr S" occurred after he had presented at the RHH, and was told there were not enough psychiatric beds.
Labor claims bed block evidence of health 'crisis'
Labor Leader Rebecca White said there had been a litany of horrific and avoidable incidents at the RHH.
"There is no doubt there is a crisis in the Tasmanian health system," she said.
"We now have patients waiting days in the emergency department who are psych patients, who need to be provided timely treatment.
"The emergency department is the worst possible place for them to be."
Premier Will Hodgman said he was not aware of today's reports of bed block.
"We do need to do more. We are able to do more because our budget is back in balance," he said.
Health and Community Services Union Tasmanian branch secretary Tim Jacobson said the situation was potentially dangerous for staff.
"There are risks associated with having psychiatric patients in an emergency department for staff and obviously of other people in the emergency department as well," he said.
"Emergency departments have been proven to be detrimental to psychiatric patients health."
The Liberals have pledged $93 million for the state's mental health service, including capital works.
Labor's promised $23 million which the party said would be spent "immediately".
