Staff at Launceston General Hospital (LGH) say morale is improving as steps are taken to resolve a crisis in the emergency department. Nine out of 11 doctors in the department have either resigned or threatened to resign, citing a lack of beds in the hospital that has compromised their ability to care for patients. Two weeks ago Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson announced 12 extra ward beds would be reopened at the hospital and 17 new nurses would be hired. The reopening and staffing of Ward 4D will go ahead, but will be delayed until July 18.
