Launceston General Hospital urges community to use emergency services only when needed

Launceston General Hospital urges community to use emergency services only when needed

14 Jul 2026

The hospital is asking the community to attend the Emergency Department only for genuine emergencies, while escalation plans remain in place to support patient care and staff safety.

Anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately.

For non-emergency health concerns, Tasmanians are encouraged to use other healthcare services. A good first step is calling healthdirect (1800 022 222), where a registered nurse can assess symptoms and guide people to the most appropriate care, including a GP, pharmacist, urgent care service or virtual care through Care@home.

People with urgent but non-life-threatening conditions can also visit a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. These clinics are bulk billed, open seven days a week, do not require an appointment, and include a clinic in Launceston.

The Tasmanian Department of Health encourages people to choose the most appropriate healthcare service to help reduce pressure on the hospital while ensuring emergency care remains available for those who need it most.