Tasmania lost 7,600 nursing shifts in nine months as hospitals push out
Tasmania's health system left more than 7,600 nursing shifts unfilled while pushing aside an experienced specialist.
Reported by The ExaminerClaims checked against the source and corrected before publish, 21 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
A health system short of nurses, pushing away specialists who train others, shows a workforce crisis threatening patient safety.
In Australia. Tasmania's health system strain affects all residents seeking hospital care. The state is losing specialists and discouraging young nurses from entering the profession, leaving the mainland at risk of brain drain if neighbouring states offer better conditions.
Key facts
- 7,600+
- Unfilled nursing shifts
- 10,000+
- Double shifts worked 2025
- Royal Hobart, Launceston General
- Hospitals affected
- 20 years
- Herman's service years
- Tasmania's health system is in crisis.
- In the nine months to September 2026, more than 7,600 nursing and midwifery shifts went unfilled.
- Staff worked more than 10,000 double shifts in 2025 to keep services running.
- Dr Brian Herman had his contract cancelled in June.
- He challenged the decision and was expected back by September but remains in limbo.
- Young Tasmanians face university costs and relocation barriers.
- The system burns out staff and shuts out recruits.
