DELIVERING GREATER HEALTH CARE IN THE NORTH WEST
JEREMY ROCKLIFF MP, Premier and Minister for Health
The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget paves the way for the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s to continue building Tasmania’s future and deliver its long-term plan for a stronger, safer and more secure health care system in the North West.
This year’s Budget invests a record $12.1 billion in health infrastructure and services over the next four years, including $87.1 million to progress the North West Hospitals Masterplan works which seeks to deliver new contemporary, state-of-the-art health precincts at both the North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) and the Mersey Community Hospital.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, said key features in the Government’s draft Masterplan - currently out for public consultation - includes new developments such as a new Women’s and Children’s Precinct, new staff and administration hubs, and a substantial increase in car parking.
“As part of our plan to deliver new mental health services in the North West, the Budget also allocates funding for a new $40 million Mental Health Precinct in Burnie which is set to commence construction next year,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Also at the NWRH, mothers, babies and staff now enjoy contemporary facilities following the completion of a $5.8 million purpose-built Antenatal Clinic in 2022, and the Budget confirms that remaining funds from this project will now go towards additional car parking and to support the Government’s earlier transition of North-West maternity services to the Tasmanian Health System across 2023-24.
“The Budget continues the Government’s investment of $57.4 million for upgrades to the Mersey Community Hospital which are well underway and will deliver a new medical ward to increase bed capacity, new outpatient clinics, upgraded theatre spaces. Significant works have already been completed including a new lift, expanded car parking, and rehabilitation services, with the final works due for completion in mid-2024.”
The Premier added that following the success of the Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response (PACER) trial in the South, the 2023-24 Budget includes funding that will support a two-year trial of a new Mental Health Emergency Response Service. This service is an extension of PACER with a customised model of care that will be uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the North West community and takes into account the region’s geography.
“I am confident that this service in the North West will provide a vital mental health emergency response service to meet the needs of the local community and ensure people receive treatment in the right place, while helping to take pressure off hospital emergency departments.”
In addition to this, a brand new Burnie Ambulance Station is underway with an additional $3.4 million allocated to complete the Brickport Road project, and the $2.7 million Queenstown Rural Ambulance Station is also due for completion in 2023.
Premier Rockliff said no government has invested as heavily in Tasmania’s health system as the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
“Almost $8.3 million on average is being invested directly into our hospitals and health services each and every day, with every dollar carefully targeted to ensure we can achieve the best outcomes,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Across the State we continue to open more beds, employ more staff and build new state-of-the-art infrastructure to support our health services.
“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.”