An update to the planning and design works for the Calvary Launceston co-located private hospital and the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) Masterplan will deliver better results for the community as the Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to build the next generation of health services for northern Tasmania.
An agreement has been reached between the Tasmanian Government and Calvary to change the location of the new private hospital to ensure the benefits of the development is maximised and that the project can accommodate the agreed services and facilities.
The new location of the co-located private hospital will now be at the Anne O’Byrne site - corner of Howick and Charles Street, Launceston.
The original site identified for the hospital – 52 Frankland Street – will now become the home for the new Mental Health Precinct we will build as part of the LGH Precinct Masterplan.
Given the Mental Health Precinct development will not be as large as the private hospital, changing the sites provides a more appropriate location for the co-located hospital and will boost the potential for both projects.
Premier and Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, has welcomed the agreement which means the Department of Health can continue to progress critical health infrastructure in Tasmania saying that it’s a win-win for both developments.
“Our Government has a strong track record on delivering critical health infrastructure and this location shift will deliver better results for the community,” the Premier said.
“The new LGH Mental Health Precinct remains on track with the project set to deliver a contemporary, fit-for-purpose facility with a comprehensive range of mental health services for in-patients and outpatients.”
Calvary Health Care National Chief Executive Officer, Martin Bowles, said the agreed change of location meant works on the new co-located hospital would progress to the next stage of development without compromising planned delivery timeframes.
“The co-located Calvary Launceston Private Hospital will play a key role in supporting improved healthcare service delivery for northern Tasmania and assist in attracting and retaining specialist health professionals to the region” Mr Bowles said.
“Once built, our new private hospital will accommodate 128 in-patient beds, 40 day beds, and 10 operating theatres, as well as two cardiac catheterisation labs and two procedure rooms. This will ultimately reduce demand pressures on Launceston General Hospital.
“Patients will be able to receive various healthcare services including general medical and surgical treatment, and specialist services including gastrointestinal, cardiology, oncology, gynaecology, radiology, pathology, palliative care, and mental health. Additionally, the hospital’s design includes provision for an extended care/GP service."
The Government will continue to work with Calvary as it seeks to obtain development approval and meet the conditions of the Project Development Agreement.
The new private hospital is expected to be completed in 2026.