A doctor who was critically wounded at a regional Tasmanian emergency department is improving.
The man was stabbed at North West Regional Hospital in Cooee on Sunday night and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff told reporters on Tuesday the respected doctor was in a critical but stable condition and showing signs of improvement.
A 17-year-old was charged on Monday with wounding, two counts of assault and threatening police.
Mr Rockliff said private security guards were employed at the time of the attack and the police investigation would look into whether security could be enhanced.
"What we need to get an understanding of is exactly the circumstances surrounding the critical incident and ensure that we learn and indeed talk with people on the ground such as unions and health professionals as well," Mr Rockliff told reporters.
"Where there were gaps, they need to be filled."
Australian Medical Association Tasmania president John Saul has called on the Tasmanian Health Service to urgently review safety protocols and measures in emergency departments.
