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Meeting to discuss LGH aircon problems

February 4, 2025 9:41 am in by

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation will attend the Launceston General Hospital today to hold a meeting to discuss the ongoing air conditioning issues…

The Federation says it has lobbied for “years” to have the air-conditioning upgraded and was successful in having the government allocate $4 million only to see the funding exhausted in the 2024-35 budget papers and the matter listed as resolved.

ANMF Tasmania Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said “the difference between using available funds to put in stop gap measures and actually fixing the problem holistically, effectively and sustainably is very, very different.

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“Increasing the capacity of the air chiller has not solved the issue of regulation of temperature nor addressed linear air flow to fix the potential infection control concerns,” she said.

Ms Shepherd said despite the introduction of portable air conditioners on Ward 6D, members and patients have still suffered from high temperatures over the last few days right across the hospital from Ward 3D, maternity unit to Ward 6D.

“Concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of the heat and humidity which on Monday morning was 75.2% which exceeds the Australian/New Zealand standards for sterile packaging by 15.2%, with temperature also exceeding the upper range limit.

“This raises the prospect that the sterility of equipment could also be compromised in addition to making staff, patients and families incredibly uncomfortable, the heat could be placing patients at a higher risk of infection.

“The impact on patients, staff and visitors cannot be overstated.

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“The temperature, humidity and lack of air flow is oppressive and uncomfortable and the fact it directly places patients at risk is unacceptable and the Government must seek expert advice and find a solution that actually fixes this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Ms Shepherd said in addition to these serious issues, the fact that windows have been screwed shut on the stroke ward, fans have been removed in the maternity unit and medical units and air chillers have been completely ineffective, raises the prospect that the current environment may well be a human rights violation.

Ms Shepherd said the ANMF will work with patients and their families to lodge human rights violation complaints to ensure that these issues are “well-ventilated, addressed and provide a voice to those who are unable or too frail and ill to do so”.

“The ANMF will be seeking resolutions from members today as to next steps on their behalf to address these issues.”

It says it’s ready to work with patients and their families to lodge human rights violation complaints.

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