Strategy for better Tasmanian heart health released

The Tasmanian Government has released the Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy, which outlines our vision to improve heart health across the State over the next decade.

The Strategy is supported by the Action Plan for Tasmanian Cardiac Services 2025-2027, which has also been released today detailing specific projects and actions that will be taken over the next two years.

Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said improving care and outcomes for people with, or at risk of, heart disease is part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

“Heart disease is one of the biggest causes of death in Tasmania, with higher rates experienced compared to other Australian jurisdictions, in part due to our ageing population and the prevalence of risk factors like obesity,” Minister Petrusma said.

“As a result, we expect the demand for cardiac services will continue to increase in the years ahead, which is why we are planning for the future and ensuring our services are well positioned to meet the needs of the community.

“The Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy outlines actions needed in our health system and across the wider community to prevent more people from getting heart disease, ensure timely detection and treatment, and to better support those living with heart disease.

“This clinician-led strategy will inform decisions around development of services, workforce planning and investments in infrastructure and cutting-edge technology over the next ten years.

“A key part of the strategy is the development of the Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), which will significantly enhance the services available for people across North and North West Tasmania.

“It also includes developing a new cardiac catheterisation laboratory in the Royal Hobart Hospital to meet increasing demand for cardiac interventional services across the State.

“I would like to thank all the stakeholders and members of the community who have contributed such valuable feedback in the strategy’s development.”

The Strategy has been developed with the guidance of the Tasmanian Cardiac Network and takes a system-wide approach to considering how the public, private and primary health sectors will work together to deliver accessible and high-quality care and services.

The Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy and Action Plan for Tasmanian Cardiac Services 2025-2027 are available here.