The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the first funds flowing from the Federal Government’s $325 million emergency rescue package he secured for the Tasmanian health system.
“The money will fund at least 2,600 extra elective surgery procedures in areas including orthopaedic and cataract surgery as well as gall bladder removals and hernia repairs’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“It’s great news for Tasmanians who have endured painful waits for their overdue surgery.
“The first operations are due to start this month.’’
The Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan signed the paperwork for the national partnership on elective surgery today.
Mr Wilkie encouraged the state and federal governments to cooperate to allow the release of the remaining funds as quickly as possible.
Mr Wilkie was also pleased at the establishment of the new Commission on Delivery of Health Services in Tasmania.
“The commission is a very important part of the health rescue package,’’ he said. “Money is important, but even more important is the need to find ways to put the Tasmanian public health system on a more sustainable footing.’’
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member of Denison
