Today I released the next step in the implementation of the One State, One Health System, Better Outcomes reforms, the Implementation Plan.
We are changing the way our health system operates so we can get better results for all Tasmanians.
The health White Paper marked a significant turning point for health in Tasmania and I am pleased to announce the next stage, implementation of the White Paper, which will help us achieve high quality, safe and efficient clinical services and better health outcomes for Tasmanians.
Each of our major hospitals will have a specialised role delivering the services for all Tasmanians that they are each best equipped to safely provide. This means consolidation of some complex surgeries, critical care and birthing to the hospitals which have the required range of specialist expertise and facilities to deliver them safely, and respond immediately to any deterioration in a patient’s condition.
The Tasmanian Health Service Governing Council has developed the implementation plan, informed by extensive consultation with Clinical Advisory Groups and other state-wide advisory groups central to delivery of health care in Tasmania.
Importantly, Tasmanian clinicians will continue to have direct input into these reforms. We are acting on clinical advice to fix the broken health system.
We are spending an additional $100 million on frontline health services and $24 million in new funding for patient transport and accommodation.
There will be many significant milestones as we implement the White Paper, including:
As we work through the implementation, DHHS and the THS will work with the clinical advisory groups to further develop statewide models of care that articulate how the four acute hospitals will work together and better coordinate with the primary, community and private sectors.
Some changes, such as the development of the Northern Cancer Service have already begun, ensuring that better outcomes are secured in the short term. Other changes will require careful planning and management to ensure that there is no adverse impact on service delivery or patient care during the transition period.
While there will be some changes as part of a truly statewide health service, the fact is that demand will need to be met by the system as a whole, and it would not make sense to make those changes until the capacity is there to provide those services.
The plan released today will be complemented by other reforms, including A Healthy Tasmania, our strategic review of preventive health, and also the Rethink Mental Health project.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is not sitting idly by and allow Tasmanians to continue to suffer some of the worst health outcomes in Australia. The Tasmanian public can have confidence that these reforms are being guided by the best advice from clinicians and other medical professionals.
The Implementation Plan will be released online today at http://www.onehealthsystem.tas.gov.au