Lambie wants Tas health system taken over

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has called for a special intervention into Tasmania's health system, accusing the state government of having lost control.

Senator Lambie told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra a blowout in elective surgery waiting lists in Tasmania warranted an intervention by the federal government, suggesting a private company could be brought in to take over.

"Maybe it's about time the federal government did the big thing and stepped in and took over, before I start losing lives down there," she told Wednesday's hearing.

Rural Health Minister Fiona Nash refused to make "policy on the run" but said she would consider Senator Lambie's concerns.