Northern Heart Centre a step closer

Construction will begin on the new Northern Heart Centre at the Launceston General Hospital in coming weeks, marking a major milestone for cardiac care across Northern and North West Tasmania.

The project is fully funded with a $120 million commitment from the Australian Government.

The Northern Heart Centre will be located on the Frankland Street side of the LGH, next to the Northern Integrated Care Services building and opposite the planned Northern Mental Health Precinct.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Northern Heart Centre will deliver modern, dedicated cardiac services closer to home for people across the region.

“The Northern Heart Centre will be a game-changing investment in the health and wellbeing of communities throughout Northern Tasmania,” the Premier said.

“Cardiovascular disease remains one of Tasmania’s most significant health challenges. This Centre will improve access to high-quality cardiac care, diagnosis and treatment, helping Tasmanians receive the care they need, when they need it.

“We are delivering a stronger, more connected health system for the North, helping people receive the right care in the right place, closer to the support of family and community.”

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the new Centre will provide a 24-bed cardiac inpatient unit, two cardiac catheterisation laboratories, and dedicated diagnostic testing and monitoring facilities.

“Bringing these services together in one purpose-built location will strengthen cardiac care at the LGH, support our hardworking health workforce and deliver better outcomes for patients and their families,” Minister Archer said.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, our Government is delivering the health infrastructure Tasmanians need now and into the future.

“This project is an important element of the Tasmanian Cardiac Strategy and the broader Launceston General Hospital Precinct Masterplan.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White:

“The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in health projects for Northern Tasmanians with the Northern Heart Centre, alongside the Launceston Hospice and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.

“We are fully funding this project on top of delivering record hospital funding with an extra $700m for Tasmania.

“Northern Tasmania experiences higher rates of cardiovascular disease than the national average so it is significant to have this brand new facility to provide specialised care and intervention, close to home.

“The dedicated care provided by the Northern Heart Centre will also help to take the pressure off the Launceston General Hospital freeing up bed capacity and taking pressure off the emergency department.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bass, Jess Teesdale MP:

“This is a huge milestone for Launceston and something our community can be really proud of.

“Having specialist cardiac care right here at the LGH means more Northern Tasmanians can get the care they need closer to home, with family and friends nearby.

“It’s fantastic to see this $120 million investment reaching the construction stage, and I’m really looking forward to watching the Northern Heart Centre take shape.”

Upgrading a working hospital is complex, and works will be carefully staged to minimise disruption to patients, visitors and clinical services.

The Northern Heart Centre is expected to be completed in late 2029.

Further information is available at health.tas.gov.au/priority-projects.