Tasmania’s hospital system is to be divided into three networks under national changes to the health system next year.
From next July, the Federal Government is set to take over 60 per cent of hospital funding.
In Tasmania, health professionals have been divided over whether the state needs a single hospital network to administer the funds, or a network for each population centre.
The Health Minister, Michelle O’Byrne, says after six months of consultation, Cabinet has agreed three local networks will deliver the best results.
“Three is the only way to build upon the area health services without creating unnecessary bureaucracy,” she said.
“We will have three statutory authorities that will be not-for-profit organisations delivering health services in three regions.
“So each local health network will have its own statutory body which will be responsible to the parliament and the people of Tasmania.”
Ms O’Byrne says the networks will have their own governing councils and Chief Executives and will be more accountable to their local communities.
The Premier will now seek agreement from the Prime Minister.
THE POWER OF ONE: THE $565M RHH REDEVELOPMENT BEGINS
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the start of work on the $565-million redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital as good news for the health of Tasmanians and the economy.
Today honours part of the agreement between Mr Wilkie and the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, in which the Federal Government committed an immediate $100 million to allow the first stage of redevelopment, a Women and Children’s Hospital, to start this year.
Mr Wilkie said finally the Royal Hobart Hospital was getting fixed.
“For decades, Governments of all shades have ignored widespread public concern and warnings from health professionals and neglected the Royal Hobart Hospital,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“I’m proud, that less than four months since I signed my agreement with the Prime Minister, the $565-million redevelopment has begun.
“In a little more than four years, we will have a redeveloped hospital delivering better health care for Southern Tasmania.’’
Mr Wilkie’s agreement with the Prime Minister secured an immediate $100 million for a Women and Children’s hospital within the Royal Hobart Hospital.
This will provide an additional 33 beds for women and children, including an adolescent mental health unit.
The agreement also opened a new $1.8-billion round of the Health and Hospitals Fund, allowing the State Government to apply for a further $240 million, taking Mr Wilkie’s total contribution to the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment to $340 million.
Mr Wilkie said the $565-million investment would produce a healthier Tasmania and a healthier economy.
“Tasmania’s economy is not travelling well, so this massive investment of more than half a billion dollars could not have come at a better time,’’ he said.
“This is good news for the health of Southern Tasmanians and good news for the health of the economy.
“It will provide construction jobs when they’re desperately needed and in four years from now, more hospital beds, more operations and less time on the waiting list for Southern Tasmanians.’’
