AMA backs Tas hospital bed inquiry

Tasmania's doctors have joined state opposition calls for an independent inquiry into bed numbers at public hospitals.

The Liberal government on Monday denied opposition claims of a beds crisis, and rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry. But on Thursday the state's AMA branch said more hospital beds are essential and concerns have been voiced for a year.

"It's time for an independent inquiry to examine how this situation has been allowed to develop and deteriorate, despite repeated warnings from frontline staff," AMA Tasmania President Dr Stuart Day said.