PDF printable version of Future of Mersey Community Hospital assured (PDF 22 KB)
18 July 2008
Health Minister Nicola Roxon today announced agreement had been reached between the two governments for the state to manage the Mersey Community Hospital.
The Australian Government will provide $180 million over three years to Tasmania to ensure that the Mersey Community Hospital can continue to provide all of its present services, including a 24 hour emergency service.
Commonwealth funding will enable continuation of the current range of services, as well as strengthened management arrangements, and some funding to allow for new equipment and capital upgrading.
Services which will continue at the Mersey Community Hospital include a High Dependency Unit, a 24 hour emergency service, medical and surgical services (both day surgery and in patient), low risk obstetric services, and low risk inpatient paediatrics and low complexity inpatient acute medical services.
Minister Roxon acknowledged the challenges that staff and local residents have faced, and made clear her respect for their commitment to their local community.
“Our first priority has always been the safety and sustainability of services at the Mersey, and I am glad this agreement delivers on those commitments,” said Ms Roxon.
The Commonwealth has provided a significant financial investment for the Mersey Hospital which will allow expansion of the range of services within the available budget, potentially including renal dialysis, enhanced elective surgery activity, a regional rehabilitation unit for the North West and transition care for older patients.
This investment in the Mersey Hospital complements the significant additional investment the Rudd Government is making in health services in Tasmania, including:
- $5m towards the establishment of a GP Super Clinic in Devonport
- $2.5m towards the establishment of a GP After Hours clinic in Burnie
- $7.5m towards the establishment of a GP Super Clinic for the eastern shores of Hobart and surrounding areas, with clinics at both Bellerive and Sorell
- $15m towards the Integrated Care Centre in Launceston
- $7.7m towards the establishment of an additional radiation oncology unit in the North or North West
- $3.5m for a PET scanner at RHH
- $10m for community patient transport services
Finalisation of the detailed operational arrangements will now be negotiated as quickly as possible.
Media contact: Sean Kelly – 0417 108 362
For all other inquiries, contact the Minister’s office – 02 6277 7220
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