Launceston hospital ER 'too overcrowded'

A Labor senator has called for federal and state government action to solve overcrowding at Launceston General Hospital's emergency ward.

With a spike in the number of flu cases, there are more than six patients at any time waiting in the emergency department, Senator Helen Polley said on Thursday.

"Ministers Michael Ferguson and Susan Ley must outline a way forward at both a state and federal level to address how patient care will be improved," Senator Polley said.

"Both have been aware of the impending crisis but have remained silent and still buried their heads in the sand."