Burnet calls for answers on virtual emergency care amid tragic death and growing hospital pressures
Clark Independent Helen Burnet MP has extended her condolences to the family and loved ones of a man who died after being taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital following a reported delay in ambulance dispatch and called on the Health Minister to urgently explain the rollout of Tasmania’s Virtual Emergency Department.
“This is a deeply distressing tragedy, and my thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” Ms Burnet said.
“The circumstances surrounding this death must be thoroughly investigated, and we need answers about what happened and whether anything could have been done differently.
“But this tragedy also highlights the serious pressures facing our emergency health system, including ambulance availability and patients waiting in emergency departments.”
The ABC reported today that the man’s family drove him to the Royal Hobart Hospital after waiting for an ambulance, which was not assigned until about 25 minutes after his Triple Zero call was upgraded to the highest emergency priority. The man died shortly after arriving at the hospital. A departmental investigation is underway.
Ms Burnet said the Tasmanian Government needed to provide a clear update on the implementation of the Virtual Emergency Department, including when the service would be fully operational, how it would be rolled out and how it would help relieve pressure on emergency departments.
“I want to know why this initiative is taking so long and when Tasmanians can expect to see its benefits. Virtual emergency care has the potential to connect patients and frontline health workers with timely clinical advice, help people receive appropriate care closer to home and reduce avoidable presentations to hospital. This will reduce ambulance ram ping and needs to be prioritised.
“But the Government must explain what is happening, what remains to be done and when the service will be available to the people who need it.”
Ms Burnet said the service must also provide dedicated support to residential aged care facilities and community care services, rather than being scaled back to save money.
“Rumours that the Virtual Emergency Department might be delayed and scaled back to exclude support for aged care facilities are concerning.
“We need a properly resourced model that supports the broader community while ensuring aged care staff can access timely emergency medicine advice when residents become unwell.
“The Government must be upfront about its plans, its funding and the services Tasmanians can expect.”
Ms Burnet pointed to the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine’s State of Emergency 2026 report, released this week, which calls for urgent action to address growing pressure on emergency departments as Australia’s population ages.
The report identifies additional emergency medicine telehealth support for residential aged care staff and community care services as a key recommendation. It also highlights the need for stronger connections between hospitals, aged care, community services and primary care.
“The report reinforces that we cannot solve emergency department overcrowding simply by treating people once they arrive at hospital,” Ms Burnet said.
“We need better support in the community, including access to emergency medicine expertise for aged care workers who are caring for some of our most vulnerable Tasmanians. We also need to improve the flow of patients through our hospitals.”
Ms Burnet said she supported calls for greater access to allied health professionals to help patients leave emergency departments and hospital beds when they are medically ready to move on.
“Doctors and nurses cannot fix hospital flow on their own. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and other allied health professionals have an important role in assessing patients, supporting recovery and helping people transition safely to appropriate care.
“When patients are ready to leave hospital but cannot access the assessment, rehabilitation, equipment or community support they need, beds remain occupied and other patients are left waiting. Investing in the right workforce and services can help patients get home safely, free up hospital capacity and ease pressure on ambulance services.”
Ms Burnet called on Health Minister Bridget Archer to provide an urgent public update on the Virtual Emergency Department rollout, including its implementation timetable, funding, scope and arrangements for residential aged care and community care services.
“Tasmanians deserve transparency about the services being delivered, the delays involved and the Government’s plan to address mounting pressure on emergency care.
“We owe it to patients, their families and the health professionals working under enormous pressure to make sure every practical opportunity to improve access to timely care is pursued.”
ENDS