Report asks questions of Minister

A report requested by Alderman Cocker and supported by council at its last meeting has raised a series of questions of the Tasmanian Health Minister Michael Ferguson in relation to the relocation of the Tasmanian Health organization to Launceston.

• What was wrong with the current system which has necessitated the proposed changes?

• What will the new system look like?

• What impacts will there be if the operational component (THS) is separated from the RHH, teaching facilities and University?

• Will the changes result in a better health system?

• What impacts will there be on staffing levels?

“With so little information available and large savings proposed, I believe it is important that we as a council seek answers Alderman Cocker said. If there are to be significant job cuts for Hobart then we should be told and those details should be available. People are entitled to question motives for significant decisions when the rationale and background appears to be so flimsy”.

“I think we should be concerned when we consider recent cuts to science institutions in Hobart by the Federal Government and now the State Government potentially hurting the city”.

“We should also be supporting staff at the Royal Hobart Hospital who are understandably concerned about damage done to the reputation and role of the Royal as a teaching hospital.”

Proposed actions from the report will be debated at a Council meeting tonight.
Philip Cocker, Alderman Hobart City Council