DELIVERING GREATER HEALTH CARE IN THE NORTH
JEREMY ROCKLIFF MP, Premier and Minister for Health
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is getting on with the job of building Tasmania’s future and delivering world-class health infrastructure and facilities in the North so that all Tasmanians can access to the health care system they deserve.
The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget secures a record $12.1 billion for health, including more than $115 million for the redevelopment of the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) which will see $580 million invested over 10 years.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said that significant progress has been made at the LGH over the past 12 months, with the completion a new state-of-the-art Women’s and Children’s Precinct, Paediatric Outpatients Clinic, Women’s Health+ Clinic, a new administration and learning centre and nine new negative pressure beds in the Acute Medical Unit.
Stage One is nearing completion with further works underway to the Emergency Department, and planning for Stage Two has now commenced. The second stage will deliver a new purpose-built mental health precinct, expanded Short Stay and Day Procedure Units an Acute Care Zone and the establishment of Neurology, Respiratory and Infusion Services.
Construction for the new mental health precinct will begin in late 2024, for completion in 2027. Planning for the new inpatient and outpatient tower will also begin in the next year, with construction commencing in 2027.
Funding is also allocated for ongoing air conditioning upgrades at the LGH, and other critical facility upgrades at the hospital.
“The Budget also brings forward our commitment to open 298 beds State-wide by 2024, with $374 million allocated over the forward estimates so that we can continue to open up new beds and keep them open,” the Premier said.
“A highlight of the 2023-24 Budget is $15 million to construct a new state-of-the-art rooftop helipad. The Helipad will be provide more direct access to the LGH’s Emergency Department, ICU and theatres. It will also provide additional flight paths which will enable operation in more difficult weather conditions.
“Additionally, as the Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to boost Ambulance Tasmania resources, we have allocated $6.8 million over the next years which continues the Government $10 million investment to build new and upgraded stations across the State. Construction of a new state-of-the-art Station in Beaconsfield is underway and due for completion later this year, with planning for a new Ambulance Station at Bicheno and Longford also progressing.”
In recognition of the vital role District Hospitals play in our regional communities, the 2023-24 Budget allocates $500,000 to progress future planning so that our district hospitals can continue to deliver health care services well in the future.
“The Budget also allocates $1.49 million to continue our commitment to update critical hospital equipment across out Rural Health facilities, including the North-East Soldiers Memorial Hospital and St Helens District Hospital” the Premier said.
“The 2023-24 Budget clearly demonstrates our commitment to Tasmania’s health system.
“Every single day, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing nearly $8.3 million directly into the health system, with every dollar carefully targeted to ensure we can build a state-of-the-art health system, with the world-class services that Tasmanians deserve.
“It is because of our sensible, responsible economic management that allows us to invest so heavily into Tasmania’s health system.
“Under our Government, we will continue to build Tasmania’s future and deliver a stronger, safer and more secure health system.”