The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to hospital services in Tasmania, and in particular support for the Mersey Community Hospital.
Supporting the Mersey was acknowledged as a specific program objective under hospital services.
The Federal Government has also committed to continuing to work with the Tasmanian Government on future arrangements for the Mersey, beyond the current agreement which secured nearly $30 million more than Labor wanted us to ask for.
This is a clear acknowledgement of the Mersey’s integral role within our single statewide health system.
Last night’s Budget locked in an estimated $2.9 billion over three years for public hospital services, along with reforms that focus on improving patient safety and the quality of services, and reducing avoidable hospitalisations.
This includes additional funding of up to $54 million secured by the Premier at COAG last month, and a funding guarantee for Tasmania.
Federal funding to reduce elective surgery waiting lists is continuing with more than $8 million next financial year. Along with the Hodgman Liberal Government’s ongoing roll out of an additional $76 million for elective surgery, this funding will ensure more Tasmanians get the surgery they need sooner.
The Budget also shows the funding we secured for the John L Grove rehabilitation centre – rescued after previous Labor Federal and State Governments failed to allocate ongoing funding for the service.
I welcome more than $21 million nationally to trial a new Health Care Homes (HCH) model of coordinated primary health care. Like our One Health System reforms, HCH is patient centred and will provide continuity of care, with tailored care plans developed in partnership with the patient.
While the new Child and Adult Public Dental Scheme will target those in our community with the greatest dental need.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Federal Government to get the very best health outcomes for Tasmanians.