Impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of Primary Health Tasmania’s commissioned services

The escalation of COVID-19 cases in Tasmania is having an impact on the workforce and, therefore, the delivery of a range of services.

Services funded by the Australian Government through Primary Health Tasmania are no exception, with a number of staff testing positive or having to isolate because they are a close contact.

This is making it difficult for some of these services to maintain their previous levels of service delivery.

The Department of Health, Tasmania and Tasmanian Health Service advise the mental health, alcohol and other drug services they deliver and commission are facing similar challenges.

Services are doing what they can to adapt and prioritise so they can continue to meet demand, however there may unfortunately be some delays to service access – including referrals between services.

The safety of clients and staff will be at the forefront of any decisions made by these service providers. Referrers are encouraged to keep using existing referral pathways. Where there is a delay, please consider the range of free telephone and online services available to your patients.