The Hodgman Liberal Government considers health a key priority and that will be reflected in parliament this week.
The Liberal Government has runs on the board and an ambitious plan to build and staff more hospital, ambulance and community health services.
I look forward to providing an update on the next stage of our long term plan for health.
While investing record amounts into health in our first term allowed us to employ more than 800 new staff and open 120 beds.
We have reformed a health system that was disconnected and dysfunctional, it’s clear there is still a lot more to be done.
We are totally committed to finishing the job we started, so Tasmanians can get the care they need, when and where they need it.
The challenge we face right now is increasing demand, which is why our main focus has been on redeveloping the Royal Hobart Hospital which will mean an extra 250 beds as well as building new wards at the LGH.
We recognise however that solutions are needed now to ensure Tasmanians get the care they need sooner. We have continually listened and responded by creating and opening 22 extra beds at the Repat, announcing a $1.5 million emergency department support package and over $7 million targeting women needing elective surgery procedures.
We will recruit around thirty new allied health professionals and nurses as part of our $11 million Hospital in the Home initiatives which will lessen the pressure on our hospitals.
We know there is more to do, which is why we will continue to invest record amounts into health over the next five-and-a-half years to open nearly 300 new hospital beds, provide new services, andemploy more than 1300 additional frontline staff.
It is a privilege to serve as Health Minister and I look forward to continuing to deliver on the Liberal Government’s long term plan for health which was endorsed by the Tasmanian people at the last state election.