… on the long overdue RHH redevelopment
Tasmanians who have been promised a redeveloped Royal Hobart Hospital for almost a decade now will be disappointed to hear that the Health Minister, Michael Ferguson, will spend $1 million out of the Health Budget to establish a Royal Hobart Redevelopment Rescue Taskforce which will take six months to report, Tasmanian Greens Shadow Health spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP, said today.
“While it was reassuring to hear the Minister confirm the government wouldn’t be redirecting any of the State’s allocation of $225 million away from the redevelopment, I am certain many Tasmanians will be wondering why it will cost $1 million and take an extra six months to review the project.”
“The Hodgman government came to office promising to cut spending on consultancies. Well, they have failed their first test at a cost of $1 million to the Health budget.”
“The Minister needs to detail why this six month taskforce review will require $1 million.”
“Even should the three member expert panel be provided with one staffer each providing secretariat support, at a rough estimate this is approximately $7000 per person per week. Many Tasmanians would prefer to see that kind of money invested in elective surgery resourcing.”
“The inevitable consequence of today’s Ministerial announcement will be further delays to this vital and long overdue project.”
“It will take six months for the Taskforce to report and presumably some months after that for further planning and rescoping of the project. It could be another year before we see work start on the redevelopment.”
“That is disappointing and I am sure frustrating for everyone who works, and those who receive patient care, at the Royal Hobart Hospital.”
“That said, the Greens sincerely wish the Taskforce every success and urge the Minister to ensure he involves the expertise and experience of clinicians and staff in the review process every step of the way,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Shadow Health spokesperson
