The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is focused on continuing to deliver our plan to build a better health system for all Tasmanians.
Part of this plan is investing in essential services to provide people with the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Our Community Rapid Response Service (ComRRS) provides nursing services wherever it is convenient and safe for patients, including in patients’ homes, or in residential aged care facilities, under the guidance of GPs.
The service works particularly well for patients with chronic or complex illnesses, who are frequently in the hospital or presenting to the emergency department. Importantly, ComRRS allows patients to be treated in a comfortable home or community environment, closer to their families and support networks.
ComRRS in Launceston is continuing to save thousands of hospital visits, with more than 8,000 service visits already delivered this year.
The service has seen a 28 per cent increase in referrals this financial year (286 to 30 Oct) and an increase of 12 per cent in occasions of service (3,300 + to 30 Oct).
This is why making ComRRS permanent in Launceston was an election commitment, because this service is keeping patients out of hospital and cared for in the community, easing pressure on the busy Launceston General Hospital.
Our hospitals are facing increased demand and the Hodgman majority Liberal Government is committed to increasing services, and finding new ways like this service to reduce pressure.
We are delivering our health plan with record funding, and we will continue to invest in the essential services Tasmanians need.
Most importantly this service provides patients the best possible outcome, support in their own environment.