Independent report on Mersey Community Hospital released today
The Australian Government has released the independent report it commissioned on options for the safest and most sustainable model of critical care services at the Mersey Community Hospital.
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The Australian Government has today released the independent report it commissioned when it came to office, on options for the safest and most sustainable model of critical care services at the Mersey Community Hospital.
“It was essential to commission this report to gain an independent analysis of the current situation – and I thank the review team for their work.”
Members of the review team travelled to Devonport, Latrobe, Burnie and Launceston and visited the hospitals and Intensive Care Units at the Mersey, the North West Regional Hospital and Launceston General Hospital to gather data and information.
The report, prepared by SpencerSmith and Associates, recommends:
- Development of a formal regional critical care network.
- That a high dependency unit is the safest and most sustainable model of critical care at the Mersey Community Hospital.
- The report also advises against an intensive care unit at the hospital outlining that this option is unsafe to pursue.
At all times, the Rudd Government has made clear it will continue to honour its election commitments to fund hospital services at the Mersey.
Our first priority will always be the safety and sustainability of services at the Mersey.
The Minister for Health will consider the report and make an announcement in the coming days.
The Rudd Government is also in the process of ensuring that management of the Mersey is moved onto a sounder footing, providing more certainty for staff and for the community.
The process to select a new operator for the Mersey is now well underway. It is expected that the new operator will be in place by 1 July 2008.
The final report is available from the department’s website http://www.health.gov.au/mersey-hospital
Media inquiries only: Sean Kelly - 0417 108 362
For all other inquiries please contact the Minister's office - 02 6277 7220
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